Luis Martinez-Gomez leads Smokies to victory over Rocket City

The Knoxville Smokies defeated the Rocket City Trash Pandas 4-3 on July 24, 2026. Luis Martinez-Gomez pitched six strong innings, surrendering just two runs and striking out a career-high 12 batters. After losing the lead in the seventh inning, the Smokies rallied to reclaim it with a key solo home run from Carter Trice in the eighth. South Bend Cubs also achieved a close win, edging the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 9-8 in 11 innings, with Justin Stransky delivering the decisive hit. Meanwhile, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans split a doubleheader with the Hickory Crawdads, winning the first game 2-1 before falling in the second game, also 2-1.

• 12:26 AMYahoo Sports — Cubs Minor League Wrap: Jefferson Rojas HR leads Smokies to 6-5 win
• 3:45 AMYahoo Sports — Cubs Minor League Wrap: Luis Martinez-Gomez shines in Smokies win