Cubs MiLB Midweek Report: Wiggins Wins, Schlaffer Dazzles, Pelicans Split Doubleheader

[Travis Klosinski]

Image courtesy of David Durochik/Diamond Images

Farm System at a Glance:

• Iowa Cubs: 0-2 vs. Syracuse | Season: 19-30
   

• Knoxville Smokies: 1-0 vs. Birmingham (1 postponed) | Season: 21-23
   

• South Bend Cubs: 0-2 @ Quad Cities | Season: 11-31
   

• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: 1-1 vs. Augusta (1 postponed) | Season: 18-28
   

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs faced a challenging doubleheader against the Syracuse Mets on May 28, dropping both games. In Game 1, right-hander Connor Noland delivered a commendable performance, allowing only one earned run over six innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Despite his efforts, the I-Cubs fell 3–2. Catcher Moisés Ballesteros provided a highlight with a towering solo home run in the sixth inning, his fifth of the season. Outfielder Christian Franklin showcased his speed and power with a triple but was left stranded at third.

In Game 2, Tommy Romero started and pitched five solid innings, giving up two runs on two hits. Ben Cowles drove in both runs with a two-RBI single in the third inning. Christian Franklin continued his hot streak, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. However, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead, and the I-Cubs lost 4–2.

Player of the Game: Connor Noland (6 IP, 1 ER, 5 K)

Knoxville Smokies

After a rainout on May 27, the Knoxville Smokies returned to action on May 28 with a 2–0 victory over the Birmingham Barons. Jaxon Wiggins, the Cubs' 2023 first-round pick, earned his first Double-A win by pitching five shutout innings, allowing just one hit, walking three, and striking out five. A.J. Puckett slammed the door in the final two frames for his seventh save.

Offensively, the Smokies struck early with a Corey Joyce RBI double in the first. B.J. Murray Jr. tacked on a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Pedro Ramirez and Brett Bateman each reached twice. Jaylen Palmer ended the game with a slick double play to preserve the shutout.

Player of the Game: Jaxon Wiggins (5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 K, W)

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs faced the Quad Cities River Bandits in a two-game series. On May 27, they suffered a 10–4 loss. Right-hander Brooks Caple had a rough High-A debut, allowing eight runs (five earned) over 3.2 innings. Jefferson Rojas impressed with two triples and a run scored, while Reginald Preciado hit a solo home run, his second of the season.

On May 28, South Bend dropped a 2–1 walk-off loss in 10 innings. Tyler Schlaffer delivered a masterful performance, pitching eight innings of one-hit ball, allowing one unearned run, walking one, and striking out seven. He retired the final 17 batters he faced. Jefferson Rojas continued his hot streak, going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Reginald Preciado went 2-for-4 with a double, extending his hit streak to five games.

Player of the Game: Tyler Schlaffer (8 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K)

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

After a rainout on May 27, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans split a doubleheader against the Augusta GreenJackets on May 28. In Game 1, the Pelicans erupted for 11 runs. Yenrri Rojas started and pitched four shutout innings, allowing three hits, walking one, and striking out four. Jose Escobar went 2-for-3 with a walk, scored three times, and had an RBI. Leonel Espinoza also went 2-for-3, was hit by a pitch, scored three runs, and drove in one. Matt Halbach contributed with a two-run double in the sixth inning. Yahil Melendez drew a bases-loaded walk and was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, collecting two RBIs without a hit.

In Game 2, the Pelicans lost 6–2. Will Frisch struggled in the third inning, allowing six runs, including a grand slam. Eriandys Ramon drove in the Pelicans' first run with a single in the second inning. Ty Southisene went 2-for-4 with a double.

Player of the Game: Jose Escobar (2-for-3, 3 R, RBI)

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