Cubs MiLB Midweek Report: Ballesteros Delivers, Pelicans Electrify, South Bend Bounces Back

[Travis Klosinski]

Image courtesy of Dylan Heuer/Iowa Cubs

Standings (As of June 18)

• Iowa Cubs (AAA, IL West): 41–29, 10 games back of first place

• Knoxville Smokies (AA, SL North): 30–36, 6 games back

• South Bend Cubs (High-A, MWL East): 19–41, 21 games back

• Myrtle Beach Pelicans (A, Carolina South): 26–39, 9 games back

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Series Summary (June 17–18)

• Iowa @ Nashville: 1–1

• Knoxville vs. Biloxi: 0–2

• South Bend @ Lake County: 1–1

• Myrtle Beach vs. Fayetteville: 1–1

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Iowa Cubs (Triple-A)

June 17 @ Nashville – Lost 9–0
The I-Cubs were shut out in a frustrating loss, with Owen Caissie collecting all four of the team's hits in a 4-for-4 performance that included a double. Kenta Maeda worked six innings and allowed four earned runs on seven hits. Eli Morgan, on rehab assignment, struggled in relief and was charged with four earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning. Iowa went hitless with runners in scoring position and committed a costly defensive error.

June 18 @ Nashville – Won 5–3
Moisés Ballesteros came through in the clutch, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. His fifth-inning two-run double flipped a 3–2 deficit into a 4–3 lead. Ben Cowles added a sixth-inning insurance run with an RBI double. Starter Will Sanders pitched five innings and allowed three runs while working through a 53-minute rain delay. The bullpen, anchored by Manny Rodriguez and closer Nate Pearson, secured the win with four innings of scoreless relief.

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Knoxville Smokies (Double-A)

June 17 vs Biloxi – Lost 9–8
Knoxville's offense exploded for 13 hits, including a home run by Pablo Aliendo and a four-hit night from Jordan Nwogu. Pedro Ramirez tripled, walked, and scored three times in an energized performance. Starter Chris Kachmar went four innings with five strikeouts, but the bullpen faltered late. Frankie Scalzo Jr. gave up the game-tying and go-ahead runs in the eighth, despite inheriting two runners and recording two outs.

June 18 vs Biloxi – Lost 6–2
BJ Murray Jr. stayed hot with his 11th homer of the season, a solo shot in the fourth. Pedro Ramirez added a single and executed a steal of home on a squeeze play involving Corey Joyce. Sam Armstrong gave up five runs across five innings and took the loss. The Smokies were limited to just four hits and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position.

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South Bend Cubs (High-A)

June 17 @ Lake County – Lost 10–2
It was a rough outing for Brooks Caple, who issued five walks and hit a batter in four innings, giving up five runs. The bullpen was similarly shaky, and two South Bend errors made matters worse. Cameron Sisneros impressed in his High-A debut with two doubles and an RBI. James Triantos, on rehab, added a double and stolen base, while Ariel Armas contributed another extra-base hit.

June 18 @ Lake County – Won 4–2
South Bend rebounded behind a dominant start from Tyler Schlaffer, who threw seven innings of two-hit ball, allowing just one earned run and striking out five. Jefferson Rojas doubled twice, drove in two, and scored twice to lead the offense. Cameron Sisneros followed up his debut with two more RBI doubles. Carter Trice reached base and scored on Rojas' eighth-inning hit that helped seal the game. Eduarniel Nunez closed it down for the save.

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Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A)

June 17 vs Fayetteville – Lost 5–2
Yenrri Rojas struggled early, giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings. Yahil Melendez stood out at the plate with an RBI single and two stolen bases. Alexey Lumpuy added two outfield assists and a diving catch that saved extra bases. Myrtle Beach was just 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.

June 18 vs Fayetteville – Won 8–7 (Walk-Off)
In one of the most exciting games of the year, Myrtle Beach stormed back from a 7–3 deficit. Yahil Melendez led the charge with a triple, a run scored, and an RBI. Will Frisch struggled, surrendering seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Chris Clarke turned in a brilliant relief outing, striking out seven in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Leonel Espinoza’s two-hit effort tied the game in the ninth, and Owen Ayers scored the game-winner after reaching on an error.

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Midweek Analysis

Iowa appears to be stabilizing, led by Caissie’s consistency and Ballesteros’ production in the heart of the lineup. The Smokies continue to hit but lack late-game relief consistency, a recurring issue in June. South Bend is gaining traction as Schlaffer’s return bolsters a rotation now featuring productive new faces like Sisneros. Myrtle Beach’s youthful lineup is playing loose and with flair—highlighted by back-to-back dynamic performances from Melendez and Clarke.

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