Parma native Matteo Bocchi threw 2.2 scoreless innings of relief with three strikeouts and two walks in his Triple-A pitching debut for the Iowa Cubs against the Tacoma Rainiers at Cheney Stadium in Tacoma, Washington on August 5, 2019. The 23-year-old Italian pitcher entered the game in the bottom of the sixth inning with Rainiers shortstop Daniel Castro on first base and Team Italy outfielder John Andreoli on second base.

He quickly made his impression felt by striking out Kelby Tomlinson. Then Matteo Bocchi walked Pacific Coast League Mid-Season All-Star Ian Miller. With bases loaded, the former Texas Longhorns hurler struck out recentSeattle Mariners call-up Tim Lopes to end the inning and the Rainiers’ scoring threat.