Offense has been an issue for the Saints early in the 2024 season, illustrated by the fact that they entered the game with a team batting average of .186, last among the 20 teams in the International League.

But there were signs of life in that area Tuesday afternoon at CHS Field. After trailing 6-0 early, the Saints battled back to have the potential winning run at the plate in the ninth inning before falling 9-7 to the Iowa Cubs.

Catcher/designated hitter Jair Camargo did his best to try to bring the Saints all the way back. He hit a two-run homer in the fourth inning and added a two-run double in the ninth. He has been one of the few Saints hitters who have had any extended success so far this season.

The 24-year-old Camargo said he learned a lot from playing at the Triple-A level last season, which gave him confidence that he could get off to a good start this season and keep it going.

“I went back to Columbia in the offseason and worked a lot on my swing position,” he said. “I worked on the adjustments I wanted to make at the plate, and thank God it’s showing up.”

Camargo is hitting in the middle of the Saints’ lineup, and has shown signs that he can hit for a good average while also providing power.

“I want to be in the big leagues,” he said, “but right now this is my big leagues. I want to show them that I’m able to do it, and do it consistently. I’m trying to be the same guy every day.”

Saints manager Toby Gardenhire said he has been impressed — dating back to last season — with what he has seen from Camargo in all aspects of his game.

“He had a slow start last year,” Gardenhire said, “but in the second half of the season he was probably the best catcher in the league. This year, he’s come in and done a really nice job. He’s been a leader for us in the clubhouse, he’s swinging the bat well, he plays great defense and he works with the pitchers.

“He does everything you want a catcher to do.”

The day started as though the Saints were going to get blown out by the Cubs. Wisconsin native Caleb Boushley, signed by the Twins as a minor-league free agent in the offseason, was roughed up in his second start for the Saints. After limiting Nashville to one run on two hits in 5 2/3 innings in his debut, the 30-year-old Boushley allowed six runs in the first two innings, including three home runs.

But Gardenhire stuck with him, and Boushley pitched into the fifth, with the Saints trailing 7-4. The Saints were held hitless through the first three innings before hitting three home runs in the fourth. Michael Helman and Yunior Severino hit their first of the season, with Camargo getting his second.

Severino, one of the Saints’ bright spots last season after joining the team from Double-A Wichita, was hitless in 24 at-bats on the season, including 12 strikeouts, before homering.

The Saints were held to three hits until the ninth, when they collected three more. The game ended with Camargo on second base representing the tying run.

Briefly

— Left-handed starter Brent Headrick, who made 14 relief appearances for the Twins last season,  is expected to miss four to six weeks due to a left forearm strain.

— Reliever Caleb Thielbar, on rehab assignment from the Twins as he recovers from a left hamstring strain, pitched the sixth inning, allowing one hit and one walk. He was followed by Josh Staumont, also on rehab assignment (left calf strain), who pitched one inning, allowing a walk.