IL· Season 2026
Omaha Storm Chasers 3-1 Iowa Cubs: Nolan Hoffman tossed two scoreless innings in relief and Omaha scored twice in the eighth inning to take the series finale at Principal Park.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow It Unfolded
Iowa starter Javier Assad was sharp from the outset, allowing just one run on three hits over 5.1 innings with five strikeouts and no walks. The Cubs gave him an early lead in the fourth inning when James Triantos crushed his ninth home run of the season off Omaha starter Lucas Braun, a solo shot to put Iowa up 1-0.
Omaha answered in the top of the sixth. Alejo Lopez drew a leadoff walk, stole second, and scored on a Carson Roccaforte RBI double to left-centre, tying the game at 1-1. Roccaforte later stole third but was stranded.
The Turning Point
The game remained tied until the eighth, when the Storm Chasers broke through against Iowa reliever Antoine Kelly (2-2). After a leadoff walk, a sacrifice bunt and an intentional walk put runners on first and second. Jacob Berry delivered a go-ahead RBI single through the right side. A third walk loaded the bases, and Omaha added an insurance run on a fielder's choice RBI from Beau Becker. Kelly was charged with two earned runs on two hits and three walks in just 0.2 innings.
Key Performers
Nolan Hoffman (W, 2-5) — The Omaha reliever was dominant, tossing two scoreless innings with two strikeouts and earning the win.
Javier Assad (IOW) — Turned in a quality start: 5.1 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K. Left with the game tied.
Carson Roccaforte (OMA) — Set the table from the leadoff spot: 2-for-4 with a double, RBI, run scored, and a stolen base.
James Triantos (IOW) — Provided the only Iowa offence with a solo home run, going 2-for-4.
By the Numbers
Omaha's bullpen was the difference, combining for four scoreless innings (Easton McGee 1 IP, Carlos Duran 1 IP, Hoffman 2 IP) with four strikeouts and no walks. The Storm Chasers drew five walks overall, three of which came in the decisive eighth inning. Iowa's pitching staff issued only three walks but could not escape the eighth-inning jam.
What It Means
The Storm Chasers improve their record and secure a series split. Iowa returns home for their next series, while Omaha continues its road trip through the IL schedule.
Rivalry since 2024
Iowa Cubs vs Omaha Storm Chasers Head to Head Results· 50
Iowa Cubs and Omaha Storm Chasers have met 50 times — Iowa Cubs won 31, Omaha Storm Chasers won 19, with 0 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2024. Iowa Cubs leads the head-to-head with 31 victories from 50 meetings. A combined 518 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 10.36 per match (265 for the home side, 253 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 46 matches (92%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 48 games (96%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Iowa Cubs are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 12–11 in 2025.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 31 Aug 2026