{
  "id": 8784281,
  "title": "Iowa Cubs Wrap: Riley Martin rehabs in season finale",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/iowa-cubs-wrap-riley-martin-rehabs-in-season-finale",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-20T22:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/iowa-cubs-wrap-riley-martin-223000723.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The minor league season concluded on April 17, 2026, with the Iowa Cubs facing the Omaha Storm Chasers, also known as the Royals, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The team suffered a significant setback with a 14-3 loss. Opening pitcher Kohl Franklin struggled, allowing four runs on just two hits and four walks over two innings, ultimately taking the loss. Riley Martin, who had not pitched since April, made his first official appearance of the season as a reliever in the third inning. Martin was effective, retiring the opposing team in order and striking out two batters. Despite the loss, Iowa Cubs second baseman Ben Cowles showcased his offensive prowess by hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning, extending his season-long tally of home runs to nine. He finished the game with a batting average of 1 for 4. Right fielder Jordan Nwogu contributed to the Iowa offense by doubling in the eighth inning and later scoring the team's third and final run on an RBI single by shortstop Jackson Cluff. Cluff's RBI single, combined with Cowles' home run, highlighted the Iowa Cubs' offensive capabilities in the final game of the season. The loss, however, ended Iowa's five-game winning streak. The Iowa Cubs finished the second half of the season with a record of 33-40, and their overall season record stood at 63-82. With the 2026 minor league season now complete, the author reflects on the year's events and looks forward to sharing updates on the Arizona Fall League in the coming weeks.",
  "summary": "Iowa got blown out by Omaha in the season finale, but at least Riley Martin made a strong appearance.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}