Travis Klosinski

The Iowa Cubs survived a 13-12 slugfest behind Owen Miller's two homers and three hits each from Pedro Ramírez and Jonathon Long. Brooks Caple struck out six over 3 2/3 scoreless innings in Knoxville's 8-1 win. South Bend pounded out a 14-6 victory behind Christian Olivo's two-homer, six-RBI night. Myrtle Beach erupted for four runs in the 10th to beat Hickory 6-2, with Dominick Reid spinning five scoreless innings of one-hit ball. Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs activated RHP Ethan Roberts from the 15-day injured list. Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Gavin Hollowell to Iowa Cubs. Iowa Cubs Outlast Columbus In 13-12 Slugfest The Iowa Cubs scored in five different innings to outlast the Columbus Clippers 13-12. Iowa fell behind 6-2 through two innings, then exploded for six runs in the fourth and three more in the fifth before holding off a five-run Columbus rally in the ninth. Owen Miller went 3-for-5 with two home runs and four runs batted in to lead the offense. Pedro Ramírez and Jonathon Long each finished with three hits, with Long driving in two and walking once. James Triantos went 2-for-5 with two runs and two RBI, and Justin Dean homered as the leadoff hitter while going 2-for-5 with two runs scored. Scott Kingery added two hits, a walk, a run, and a stolen base, while Eric Yang also homered. The fourth inning produced the biggest swing. Scott Kingery walked, Justin Dean reached on a bunt single, and Pedro Ramírez singled to load the bases. After a lineout and a strikeout, Jonathon Long walked to push a run across, James Triantos singled home two more, and Owen Miller capped the rally with a two-run homer to left center to put Iowa ahead 8-6. Doug Nikhazy struggled in his start, allowing six runs on six hits over four innings with three walks, three strikeouts, and three home runs surrendered. Ryan Jensen tossed a clean fifth to earn the win, Vince Velasquez worked three innings while picking up a hold, and Gabe Klobosits closed it out despite allowing two runs in the ninth. Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin Dean 5 2 2 1 1 1 Pedro Ramírez 4 2 3 1 0 0 BJ Murray 5 0 0 0 0 0 Kevin Alcántara 5 1 1 1 0 2 Jonathon Long 4 2 3 2 1 0 James Triantos 5 2 2 2 0 1 Owen Miller 5 2 3 4 0 0 Eric Yang 5 1 1 1 0 4 Scott Kingery 4 1 2 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Doug Nikhazy 4 6 6 6 3 3 3 Ryan Jensen 1 0 0 0 1 2 0 Vince Velasquez 3 2 4 4 5 4 0 Gabe Klobosits 1 3 2 2 0 2 0 Knoxville Smokies Walk Their Way Past Birmingham The Knoxville Smokies drew 10 walks, scored eight runs, and beat the Birmingham Barons 8-1 in a seven-inning game. Knoxville managed only one hit on the night but reached base often enough to break the game open in the fourth. Owen Ayers had the lone hit, a bases-clearing triple in the fourth, and finished 1-for-2 with three runs batted in, a run scored, a walk, and a stolen base. Jefferson Rojas drew a walk and drove in a run. Andy Garriola walked twice, scored a run, and drove in another. Hayden Cantrelle, Ethan Hearn, and Devin Ortiz each scored twice while reaching base multiple times via walks. Jordan Nwogu drew two walks, scored a run, and drove in another. The fourth inning produced all of the heavy damage. Owen Ayers, Edgar Alvarez, and Hayden Cantrelle each walked to load the bases, then Ethan Hearn drew a walk that forced in the first run. Devin Ortiz walked to bring home another. After a strikeout, Jordan Nwogu walked in a third run. After another strikeout, Andy Garriola drew a fourth bases-loaded walk. Owen Ayers then cleared the bases with a triple to right field to make it a seven-run inning. Brooks Caple turned in a strong start, throwing 3 2/3 innings while allowing two hits and no runs with two walks and six strikeouts. Marino Santy followed with 2 1/3 innings of one-run ball to pick up the win, and Tyler Ras worked a clean seventh. Player AB R H RBI BB K Carter Trice 4 0 0 0 0 3 Jordan Nwogu 2 1 0 1 2 1 Jefferson Rojas 3 0 0 1 1 2 Andy Garriola 2 1 0 1 1 0 Owen Ayers 2 1 1 3 1 0 Edgar Alvarez 2 1 0 0 1 0 Hayden Cantrelle 2 1 0 0 1 1 Ethan Hearn 1 2 0 0 1 1 Devin Ortiz 1 1 0 1 2 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Brooks Caple 3 2/3 2 0 0 2 6 0 Marino Santy 2 1/3 2 1 1 1 4 0 Tyler Ras 1 0 0 0 1 1 0 Christian Olivo's Historic Two Homers Power South Bend Past Lansing The South Bend Cubs hit four home runs and beat the Lansing Lugnuts 14-6 at Four Winds Field. South Bend trailed 2-0 after the first but scored in five separate innings to take control of the game. Christian Olivo led the offense with a 4-for-4 night that included two home runs, six runs batted in, three runs scored, and a walk, a history making evening as he and Kevin Alcántara are the only South Bend Cubs to achieve this feat. Alex Madera went 3-for-5 with two runs and two RBI, while Ty Southisene added two hits and a run. Justin Stransky doubled, walked, and drove in two runs while crossing the plate twice. Matt Halbach reached base four times with a hit and three walks, scoring twice and driving in a run. Cole Mathis doubled, walked, and scored twice. Leonel Espinoza had two hits and an RBI, and Cameron Sisneros added a hit, a walk, and a run. The fifth and sixth innings broke it open. In the fifth, Cameron Sisneros singled, Cole Mathis doubled, Matt Halbach singled in a run, and Leonel Espinoza singled to bring home another. After two outs, Christian Olivo drilled a three-run homer to left to make it 8-3. The sixth started with Ty Southisene reaching on an error and two walks loading the bases. Alex Madera then singled in two runs, Justin Stransky doubled in two more, and Christian Olivo followed with a two-run home run to push the lead to 14-3. Kevin Valdez allowed three runs over 3 1/3 innings as the starter, giving up seven hits and two home runs with two walks and a strikeout. Kenyi Perez followed with 1 2/3 hitless innings, walking one and striking out five to earn the win. Ethan Flanagan worked four innings, allowing three runs while striking out five for the save. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley 5 0 0 1 0 1 Ty Southisene 5 1 2 0 0 0 Cameron Sisneros 4 1 1 0 1 1 Cole Mathis 4 2 1 0 1 2 Matt Halbach 2 2 1 1 3 1 Leonel Espinoza 5 1 2 1 0 3 Alex Madera 5 2 3 2 0 0 Justin Stransky 4 2 1 2 1 0 Christian Olivo 4 3 4 6 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kevin Valdez 3 1/3 7 3 3 2 1 2 Kenyi Perez 1 2/3 0 0 0 1 5 0 Ethan Flanagan 4 7 3 3 1 5 1 Myrtle Beach Pelicans Erupt In 10th To Top Hickory The Myrtle Beach Pelicans broke a 2-2 tie with four runs in the 10th inning to beat the Hickory Crawdads 6-2. Myrtle Beach had taken a 2-0 lead through three innings before Hickory tied it with a two-run home run in the eighth, but the offense responded in extras to put the game away. Josiah Hartshorn went 2-for-4 with a solo home run, an RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored. Darlyn De Leon finished 1-for-3 with a home run, two runs, an RBI, and a walk. Alexis Hernandez led off with a 3-for-5 night and a run scored. Jose Escobar went 2-for-5 with a double and two RBI, and Alexey Lumpuy added two hits and an RBI. Edward Vargas reached twice and scored a run. Michael Carico walked once and drove in a run. The 10th inning broke the game open. With Edward Vargas placed at second base as the zombie runner, Darlyn De Leon walked, and Alexis Hernandez singled to put runners at the corners. After a strikeout, Alexey Lumpuy singled to bring home Vargas. Michael Carico then grounded out to plate De Leon, and Jose Escobar followed with a two-run double to right field to push the lead to four. Dominick Reid was sharp in his start, throwing five scoreless innings on one hit with no walks and six strikeouts. Daniel Avitia worked three innings and allowed two runs on a home run in the eighth, taking a blown save. Jordan Henriquez closed it out with two hitless innings, striking out four to pick up the win. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alexis Hernandez 5 1 3 0 0 0 Josiah Hartshorn 4 1 2 1 0 1 Alexey Lumpuy 5 1 2 1 0 0 Michael Carico 4 0 0 1 1 0 Jose Escobar 5 0 2 2 0 1 Derniche Valdez 5 0 0 0 0 3 Jairo Diaz 2 0 0 0 2 0 Edward Vargas 4 1 2 0 0 2 Darlyn De Leon 3 2 1 1 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Dominick Reid 5 1 0 0 0 6 0 Daniel Avitia 3 3 2 2 1 5 1 Jordan Henriquez 2 0 0 0 0 4 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: 0-for-3, RBI, BB, 2 K Kevin Alcántara: 1-for-5, R, RBI, 2 K, SB Jonathon Long: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramírez: 3-for-4, 2B, 2 R, RBI Kane Kepley: 0-for-5, RBI, K Josiah Hartshorn: 2-for-4, HR, R, RBI, K, SB James Triantos: 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 RBI, K Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-4, 2B, 2 R, BB, 2 K Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: 5 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 6 K Ty Southisene: 2-for-5, R Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

South Bend and Myrtle Beach claimed wins while Iowa and Knoxville suffered narrow defeats. Cole Mathis launched a two-run homer in the sixth as South Bend topped Lansing 3-1, with Koen Moreno tossing four scoreless innings. Grant Kipp struck out eight over five frames in Knoxville's 4-1 loss. Myrtle Beach rallied for six runs in the eighth to top Hickory 9-7. Connor Noland fanned five over five innings in Iowa's 4-2 loss. Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs designated RHP Corbin Martin for assignment. Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Gavin Hollowell from Iowa Cubs. Athletics traded RHP Tyler Ferguson to Chicago Cubs. Chicago Cubs optioned RHP Tyler Ferguson to Iowa Cubs. Iowa Cubs Drop Close Decision To Columbus On Late Home Runs The Iowa Cubs fell 4-2 to the Columbus Clippers, dropping a tight game decided by back-to-back home runs in the eighth inning. Iowa managed five hits and stranded four runners. The Cubs pushed both of their runs across in the bottom of the third. Ben Cowles drew a leadoff walk, Scott Kingery followed with a single, and Owen Miller singled to load the bases. Justin Dean grounded into a double play that scored Cowles for the tying run. After BJ Murray walked, Kingery scampered home on a wild pitch during Pedro Ramirez's strikeout to give Iowa a 2-1 edge. The game was at a tie until the eighth thanks to great defensive plays, particularly from Kingery at second. In the eighth, Paul Campbell allowed solo home runs to two consecutive Columbus batters that flipped the score for good. Connor Noland started for Iowa, working five innings while allowing two runs on four hits with five walks and five strikeouts. Campbell took the loss, surrendering two runs on three hits over four innings with four strikeouts. BJ Murray, Kevin Alcantara, James Triantos, Scott Kingery, and Owen Miller each collected a base hit. Iowa drew three walks but did not record an RBI as a team. Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin Dean 3 0 0 0 1 0 BJ Murray 3 0 1 0 1 0 Pedro Ramírez 4 0 0 0 0 1 Kevin Alcántara 4 0 1 0 0 1 Christian Bethancourt 3 0 0 0 0 1 James Triantos 4 0 1 0 0 2 Ben Cowles 2 1 0 0 1 0 Scott Kingery 3 1 1 0 0 0 Owen Miller 3 0 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Connor Noland 5 4 2 2 5 5 0 Paul Campbell 4 3 2 2 0 4 2 Owen Ayers' Solo Shot Not Enough In Knoxville Loss Owen Ayers' second-inning home run gave the Knoxville Smokies an early lead, but the offense could not add to it as the Birmingham Barons rallied for a 4-1 win. Knoxville committed three errors and stranded six. Ayers connected on a solo shot to left center in the bottom of the second for Knoxville's lone run. The Smokies finished with five hits and went silent over the final seven innings. Birmingham tied the game in the third on a triple. An error by Ayers in the sixth allowed an unearned run to score, putting the Barons ahead. Birmingham added insurance in the ninth on a sacrifice fly and an RBI single. Grant Kipp turned in a strong start, allowing one run on three hits over five innings while striking out eight without walking a batter. Jace Beck took the loss with two innings of relief, surrendering one unearned run on one hit with one walk and four strikeouts. Evan Taylor worked a clean inning, while Luis Rujano gave up two runs on two hits with two walks in the ninth. Ayers' homer was Knoxville's only extra-base hit. Jordan Nwogu, Ariel Armas, Hayden Cantrelle, and Karson Simas each added a single. Jefferson Rojas, Nwogu, and Cantrelle drew walks for the Smokies. Player AB R H RBI BB K Carter Trice 4 0 0 0 0 0 Jordan Nwogu 3 0 1 0 1 0 Jefferson Rojas 3 0 0 0 1 1 Andy Garriola 3 0 0 0 0 0 Owen Ayers 4 1 1 1 0 1 Ariel Armas 4 0 1 0 0 2 Alex Ramírez 4 0 0 0 0 0 Hayden Cantrelle 2 0 1 0 1 1 Karson Simas 3 0 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Grant Kipp 5 3 1 1 0 8 0 Jace Beck 2 1 1 0 1 4 0 Evan Taylor 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Luis Rujano 1 2 2 2 2 1 0 Cole Mathis' Three-Run Sixth Powers South Bend Past Lansing The South Bend Cubs broke open a scoreless game with a three-run sixth inning, holding on to defeat the Lansing Lugnuts 3-1. Cole Mathis' two-run homer was the centerpiece of the rally, and Koen Moreno led a strong pitching effort. Lansing scratched out their only run in the eighth on a wild pitch, but the Cubs held on. Moreno started and tossed four scoreless innings on two hits, walking two and striking out five. Jackson Brockett earned the win with two scoreless innings, allowing no hits and striking out five. JP Wheat was charged with the run on one hit over 1 1/3 innings, fanning two. Ethan Bell recorded the save across 1 2/3 innings, allowing two hits with one walk and four strikeouts. Mathis finished with the homer, two RBI, a walk, and a run scored. Bowser had two hits, including a double, and an RBI. Snell added two singles, a stolen base, and a run scored. Kane Kepley and Alex Madera each had a hit, while Sisneros walked twice and scored. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley 4 0 1 0 0 0 Ty Southisene 4 0 0 0 0 0 Cameron Sisneros 2 1 0 0 2 1 Cole Mathis 3 1 1 2 1 1 Kade Snell 4 1 2 0 0 0 Leonel Espinoza 4 0 0 0 0 1 Drew Bowser 4 0 2 1 0 1 Justin Stransky 3 0 0 0 0 2 Alex Madera 3 0 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Koen Moreno 4 2 0 0 2 5 0 Jackson Brockett 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 JP Wheat 1 1/3 1 1 1 0 2 0 Ethan Bell 1 2/3 2 0 0 1 4 0 Pelicans Rally For Six In Eighth To Top Hickory The Myrtle Beach Pelicans erased a four-run deficit with a six-run eighth inning to beat the Hickory Crawdads 9-7. The rally featured five walks, an error, and an RBI single by Alexis Hernandez. Myrtle Beach trailed 7-3 entering the eighth. After two quick outs, the Pelicans loaded the bases on consecutive walks from Michael Carico, Logan Poteet, and Jose Escobar. Yahil Melendez reached on a missed catch error that allowed Carico and Poteet to score, cutting the lead to 7-5. Eli Lovich walked, and Darlyn De Leon drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home Escobar. Hernandez then singled to center to plate Melendez and Lovich for the go-ahead runs. De Leon scored on a wild pitch during Josiah Hartshorn's at-bat, and Hartshorn walked before Alexey Lumpuy struck out to end the frame. Earlier, Logan Poteet homered in the fourth for the team's first run, and Lumpuy's two-run homer to right center in the sixth had pulled the Pelicans within 4-3. Mason McGwire started and allowed three runs, one earned, on six hits over four innings, walking one and striking out seven. Braylon Myers earned the win despite a rough outing, allowing four runs on four hits across three innings with one walk and four strikeouts. Riely Hunsaker closed the door with two scoreless innings, recording one strikeout and earning the save. Hernandez led the offense with two hits, two RBI, and a stolen base. Lumpuy added a hit and two RBI on his homer. Poteet went 2-for-3 with the homer and a walk. Jose Escobar collected two hits and two walks. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alexis Hernandez 5 0 2 2 0 1 Josiah Hartshorn 4 1 0 0 1 1 Alexey Lumpuy 5 1 1 2 0 1 Michael Carico 3 1 0 0 2 2 Logan Poteet 3 2 2 1 1 0 Jose Escobar 3 1 2 0 2 0 Yahil Melendez 5 1 0 0 0 2 Eli Lovich 3 1 0 0 1 2 Darlyn De Leon 3 1 1 1 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Mason McGwire 4 6 3 1 1 7 0 Braylon Myers 3 4 4 4 1 4 0 Riely Hunsaker 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: 0-for-3, BB, K Kevin Alcantara: 1-for-4, K Jonathon Long: DNP Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramirez: 0-for-4, K Kane Kepley: 1-for-4 Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-4, R, BB, K James Triantos: 1-for-4, 2 K Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 0-for-4 Erian Rodriguez: DNP ``` View full article

Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs designated LHP Charlie Barnes for assignment. Chicago Cubs placed LHP Matthew Boyd on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 4, 2026. Left meniscus injury. Chicago Cubs sent RHP Yacksel Ríos outright to Iowa Cubs. Chicago Cubs selected the contract of RHP Trent Thornton from Iowa Cubs. Pedro Ramírez Walks Off Iowa Past Columbus In 11 The Iowa Cubs outlasted the Columbus Clippers 3-2 in 11 innings on a walk-off single from Pedro Ramírez that scored Owen Miller from second base. Ramírez finished 1-for-4 with a walk and an RBI. Miller produced the top hitting line, going 2-for-3 with a walk and two runs scored. Christian Bethancourt knotted the game in the bottom of the 10th on an RBI single up the middle that scored zombie runner Ben Cowles, and BJ Murray drove in Miller with a sixth-inning sacrifice fly for Iowa's first run. Charlie Barnes opened with five scoreless innings, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out four. Collin Snider was charged with one earned run across 1 1/3 innings, but Luke Little held Columbus to a single unearned run over two innings to pick up the win. The decisive stretch came in the final two frames. Columbus took a 2-1 lead in the top of the 10th when Kody Huff doubled to left to plate the zombie runner, only for Bethancourt to answer in the bottom half. In the 11th, Miller again opened the inning at second as the zombie runner, Justin Dean dropped down a sacrifice bunt to move him to third, Murray drew a walk, and Ramírez lined his single to left to send Iowa home a winner. Iowa managed only four hits but drew five walks and stranded seven runners. Player AB R H RBI BB K Justin Dean, cf 4 0 0 0 0 0 BJ Murray, 1b 3 0 0 1 1 2 Pedro Ramírez, 3b 4 0 1 1 1 1 Kevin Alcántara, rf 3 0 0 0 1 1 Jonathon Long, lf 3 0 0 0 1 2 Ben Cowles, pr-ss 0 1 0 0 0 0 James Triantos, 2b 4 0 0 0 0 1 Christian Bethancourt, dh 4 0 1 1 0 0 Eric Yang, c 4 0 0 0 0 1 Owen Miller, ss-lf 3 2 2 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Charlie Barnes 5 4 0 0 1 4 0 Ethan Roberts 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 Collin Snider 1 1/3 2 1 1 1 1 0 Gabe Klobosits 1 2/3 3 0 0 0 2 0 Luke Little 2 1 1 0 1 2 0 Knoxville Smokies Game Postponed The Double-A Knoxville Smokies did not play. The game was postponed. Cole Mathis Powers South Bend Past Lansing The South Bend Cubs took down the Lansing Lugnuts 3-1 behind a three-run sixth inning fueled by a Cole Mathis two-run home run to follow his pervious games triple, homerun, and triple at the plate. Mathis finished 1-for-3 with the homer, two RBIs, a walk, a run scored, and a strikeout, and the long ball was his second of the season. Cole Mathis was labeled Player of the Game, if you haven't had a chance to hear from him check below. Drew Bowser added a 2-for-4 night with a double, an RBI, and a strikeout. Kade Snell also collected two hits and scored a run while stealing a base, while Kane Kepley and Alex Madera each contributed singles to South Bend's seven-hit total. Koen Moreno started and turned in four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out five on 75 pitches. Jackson Brockett followed with two hitless and scoreless innings, striking out five. The bottom of the sixth flipped a scoreless contest. Cameron Sisneros opened with a walk before Mathis launched a two-run shot to left field. Snell singled, Leonel Espinoza struck out, and Bowser doubled into left to plate Snell from first. Justin Stransky struck out, and Madera then added a bunt single, but Bowser was thrown out at the plate trying to score from second to end the rally. South Bend stranded seven runners on the night. A play of note was Kane Kepley's wild sprint in center for a diving play in the seventh. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley, cf 4 0 1 0 0 0 Ty Southisene, ss 4 0 0 0 0 0 Cameron Sisneros, 1b 2 1 0 0 2 1 Cole Mathis, dh 3 1 1 2 1 1 Kade Snell, rf 4 1 2 0 0 0 Leonel Espinoza, lf 4 0 0 0 0 1 Drew Bowser, 2b 4 0 2 1 0 1 Justin Stransky, c 3 0 0 0 0 2 Alex Madera, 3b 3 0 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Koen Moreno 4 2 0 0 2 5 0 Jackson Brockett 2 0 0 0 0 5 0 JP Wheat 1 1/3 1 1 1 0 2 0 Ethan Bell 1 2/3 2 0 0 1 4 0 Logan Poteet Homers, But Pelicans Fall To Hickory The Myrtle Beach Pelicans dropped a 4-2 decision to the Hickory Crawdads despite a Logan Poteet solo home run, his fourth of the season, in the top of the ninth inning. Poteet finished 1-for-4 with the homer, an RBI, a run scored, and a strikeout. Geuri Lubo led the offense with a 2-for-4 effort that included a double, an RBI, and a strikeout. Pierce Coppola opened with four scoreless innings, allowing two hits, walking none, and striking out five on 64 pitches. Edwardo Melendez took the loss after surrendering four earned runs on four hits and two walks across two innings, with two home runs allowed. Aiden Moffett followed with two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out one. Lubo gave the Pelicans the early edge with an RBI double in the top of the fourth that scored Carico, and Coppola kept Hickory off the board through four. The Crawdads broke through against Melendez in the fifth on a triple and a sacrifice fly to take a 2-1 lead, then added two more in the sixth on solo home runs to push their advantage to 4-1. Poteet's ninth-inning shot pulled Myrtle Beach within two but came too late. The Pelicans stranded five runners on the night. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alexis Hernandez, ss 4 0 1 0 0 1 Josiah Hartshorn, rf 3 0 0 0 1 1 Alexey Lumpuy, cf 4 0 0 0 0 1 Michael Carico, 1b 2 1 0 0 2 1 Logan Poteet, c 4 1 1 1 0 1 Jose Escobar, 2b 4 0 1 0 0 0 Geuri Lubo, lf 4 0 2 1 0 1 Derniche Valdez, 3b 3 0 1 0 0 1 Edward Vargas, dh 3 0 1 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Pierce Coppola 4 2 0 0 0 5 0 Edwardo Melendez 2 4 4 4 2 1 2 Aiden Moffett 2 1 0 0 3 1 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: DNP Kevin Alcantara: 0-for-3, BB, K Jonathon Long: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramirez: 1-for-4, RBI, BB, K Kane Kepley: 1-for-4 Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-3, BB, K James Triantos: 0-for-4, K Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI, BB, K Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 0-for-4 Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Alcántara's Three-Hit Night Wasted In 16-2 Iowa Loss At St. Paul The Iowa Cubs were buried 16-2 in St. Paul, allowing seven home runs as a staff while managing only six hits of their own. Kevin Alcántara was the lone bright spot at the plate. The cleanup hitter went 3-for-4 with a solo home run, his 11th of the season, scoring twice and driving in a run. BJ Murray added a 2-for-3 line with a double, an RBI, and a walk, and leadoff man Brett Bateman drew two walks. The Cubs went a combined 0-for-22 from everyone outside of Alcántara, Murray, and Bateman. Things came apart immediately. Starter Collin Snider lasted just 1 1/3 innings, surrendering three home runs and three runs on three hits with a walk and two strikeouts. Paul Campbell followed with four innings, allowing seven hits, five runs, and three more long balls while striking out four. Doug Nikhazy took the loss in his Iowa debut, charged with eight earned runs on six hits and three walks across 2 2/3 innings, with four strikeouts. The Saints stretched the game open with a four-run third that included a two-run shot off Campbell, then added three more in the seventh and one in the eighth. Alcántara accounted for both Iowa runs. He singled in the second and scored on Murray's RBI double, then launched his solo homer to right-center in the seventh. Iowa left five on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Brett Bateman 2 0 1 0 2 0 Pedro Ramírez 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jonathon Long 4 0 0 0 0 0 Kevin Alcántara 4 2 3 1 0 1 BJ Murray 3 0 2 1 1 0 Owen Miller 3 0 0 0 1 1 Christian Bethancourt 4 0 0 0 0 2 Scott Kingery 3 0 0 0 0 2 Hayden Cantrelle 2 0 0 0 1 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Collin Snider 1 1/3 3 3 3 1 2 3 Paul Campbell 4.0 7 5 5 1 4 3 Doug Nikhazy (L, 0-2) 2 2/3 6 8 8 3 4 1 Garriola's Two-Homer Game Falls Short In Smokies' 7-5 Loss The Knoxville Smokies dropped a 7-5 decision at Rocket City, undone by a five-run bottom of the fifth that erased a two-run Knoxville lead. Andy Garriola powered the offense with two home runs, three RBI, two runs scored, and a walk over a 2-for-3 night. He gave Knoxville its first lead with a two-run shot in the second that scored cleanup hitter Jefferson Rojas, then went deep again leading off the fourth to push the margin to 3-1. Rojas finished 2-for-4 with a double, a run, and an RBI, knocking in Owen Ayers in the sixth. Ethan Hearn drove in Jordan Nwogu with a double in the eighth. Tyler Schlaffer started and worked 4 1/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on three hits and four walks while striking out three. Vince Reilly tossed two scoreless and hitless innings of relief, walking none and striking out four. Jace Beck took the loss, charged with five earned runs on seven hits and a walk in 1 2/3 innings, with two strikeouts. The decisive frame opened with a Schlaffer groundout, but a single off Schlaffer brought on Beck, and Beck immediately surrendered three straight singles, with the third plating the runner he inherited and a teammate to tie the score at 3. A walk loaded the bases, and a fielder's choice grounder fielded by Hearn at first scored two more runs after a fielding error by catcher Ayers. A two-out RBI double accounted for the fifth run. Knoxville left seven on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramírez 4 0 1 0 0 0 Jordan Nwogu 4 1 1 0 0 1 Owen Ayers 3 1 0 0 1 2 Jefferson Rojas 4 1 2 1 0 0 Andy Garriola 3 2 2 3 1 0 Ethan Hearn 4 0 1 1 0 2 Carter Trice 4 0 1 0 0 3 Ed Howard 3 0 1 0 0 1 Edgar Alvarez 1 0 0 0 0 0 Alex Madera 4 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Tyler Schlaffer 4 1/3 3 2 1 4 3 0 Vince Reilly 2.0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Jace Beck (L, 2-1) 1 2/3 7 5 5 1 2 0 South Bend Loses 7-6 As Bullpen Coughs Up Late Lead To Fort Wayne The South Bend Cubs squandered a one-run lead in the ninth and fell 7-6 to the Fort Wayne TinCaps, with reliever JP Wheat charged with the loss and a blown save after walking in two runs. Cleanup hitter Cole Mathis paced the offense with a 1-for-3 night that included a triple, two runs scored, an RBI, two walks, and a stolen base. Drew Bowser tied the game in the fifth with a two-run double. Leadoff man Kane Kepley went 1-for-4 with an RBI walk, a run scored, and a walk. Cameron Sisneros walked twice and added an RBI single in the third. Starter Ethan Flanagan delivered four innings of one-run ball, allowing four hits and a walk while striking out four. Kevin Valdez followed with 3 2/3 innings of relief, charged with four earned runs on six hits, three walks, and two strikeouts, including a solo homer in the fifth. Kenyi Perez recorded one out without surrendering a baserunner. Wheat covered one inning, walking four batters and giving up two runs without allowing a hit while striking out one. South Bend trailed 5-3 entering the bottom of the fifth before Bowser tied it with his two-run double, scoring Mathis and Sisneros. The Cubs grabbed a 6-5 lead in the eighth, when Kepley's bases-loaded walk plated Matt Halbach. Wheat opened the ninth with two quick groundouts before walking four straight batters; the fourth walk resulted in two runs scoring to put Fort Wayne ahead 7-6, and a strikeout ended the inning. South Bend left nine on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley 4 1 1 1 1 1 Leonel Espinoza 5 1 1 0 0 3 Kade Snell 4 0 0 0 1 1 Cole Mathis 3 2 1 1 2 2 Cameron Sisneros 3 1 1 1 2 2 Matt Halbach 4 1 0 1 1 1 Drew Bowser 2 0 1 2 1 1 Justin Stransky 4 0 1 0 0 1 Christian Olivo 4 0 0 0 0 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Ethan Flanagan 4.0 4 1 1 1 4 0 Kevin Valdez 3 2/3 6 4 4 3 2 1 Kenyi Perez 1/3 0 0 0 0 0 0 JP Wheat (L, 1-1)(BS, 1) 1.0 0 2 2 4 1 0 Pelicans Edged 4-3 Despite Reid's Strong Five-Inning Outing The Myrtle Beach Pelicans dropped a 4-3 decision to the Columbia Fireflies, falling behind for good in the eighth on a fielder's choice grounder. Starter Dominick Reid turned in five innings, allowing five hits, two runs (one earned), four walks, and striking out six. Hayden Frank took the loss across four innings of relief, charged with two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk with two strikeouts. Myrtle Beach grabbed an early lead in the bottom of the first. Leadoff man Alexis Hernandez singled, Josiah Hartshorn walked, and after a strikeout, cleanup hitter Logan Poteet drew a two-out walk to load the bases. Jose Escobar then singled to left to plate Hernandez and Hartshorn for a 2-0 advantage. Columbia tied the game at 2 in the fifth, getting a run on a bases-loaded walk and another on an RBI single after a fielding error by third baseman Yahil Melendez extended the inning. The Fireflies took a 3-2 lead in the seventh on a soft RBI grounder, but Myrtle Beach answered in the bottom half when Poteet singled home Michael Carico to tie it at 3. Columbia retook the lead in the eighth, stringing together two singles and a walk against Frank before a force-out grounder plated the winning run. Hartshorn went 1-for-4 with a walk and a run scored, Hernandez had a hit and a run, Melendez doubled, Carico walked twice and stole a base, and Escobar drove in the two first-inning runs. The Pelicans left nine on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alexis Hernandez 5 1 1 0 0 0 Josiah Hartshorn 4 1 1 0 1 0 Michael Carico 3 1 0 0 2 1 Logan Poteet 2 0 1 1 2 0 Jose Escobar 4 0 1 2 0 1 Derniche Valdez 4 0 0 0 0 1 Yahil Melendez 4 0 1 0 0 0 Edward Vargas 4 0 0 0 0 0 Darlyn De Leon 3 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Dominick Reid 5.0 5 2 1 4 6 0 Hayden Frank (L, 1-1) 4.0 3 2 1 1 2 0 Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: 2-for-4, 2B, R, RBI Kevin Alcantara: 3-for-4, HR, 2 R, RBI, K Jonathon Long: 0-for-4 Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramirez: 0-for-4, K Kane Kepley: 1-for-4, R, RBI, BB, K Josiah Hartshorn: 1-for-4, R, BB James Triantos: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-3, 3B, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB, 2 K, SB Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 BB, 6 K Ty Southisene: DNP Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

Iowa Bullpen Shines But Bats Strand Eight In 3-1 Loss The Iowa Cubs collected eight hits at St. Paul but stranded eight runners in a 3-1 loss to the Saints. James Triantos went 2-for-4 with a run scored, while Jonathon Long also went 2-for-4 and drove in the team's only run. Charlie Barnes took the loss after five innings, allowing two hits, three earned runs, three walks, and a home run while striking out four. Luke Little, Ethan Roberts, and Tyler Beede combined for three scoreless innings out of the bullpen, with Little issuing two walks, Beede issuing one, and the trio combining for three strikeouts. The Saints jumped ahead in the bottom of the third on a solo home run. Iowa's deficit grew in the bottom of the fifth when, with the bases loaded, a walk forced in the second run and a sacrifice fly drove in the third for a 3-0 lead. Iowa cut the lead in the top of the eighth. With one out, Triantos singled, advanced to third on a fielding error, and scored when Long lined a single to left field. Chas McCormick flied out to end the inning, and the Cubs went down quietly in the ninth. Player AB R H RBI BB K Brett Bateman, CF 3 0 1 0 1 0 James Triantos, 3B 4 1 2 0 0 0 Pedro Ramírez, 2B 4 0 1 0 0 1 Jonathon Long, 1B 4 0 2 1 0 0 Hayden Cantrelle, LF 0 0 0 0 0 0 Chas McCormick, DH 4 0 0 0 0 1 Dylan Carlson, LF-1B 4 0 1 0 0 0 Scott Kingery, SS 4 0 0 0 0 3 Christian Bethancourt, C 4 0 1 0 0 2 Justin Dean, RF 4 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Charlie Barnes (L) 5.0 2 3 3 3 4 1 Luke Little 1.0 0 0 0 2 1 0 Ethan Roberts 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Tyler Beede 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Smokies Held To Two Hits In 4-1 Loss At Rocket City The Knoxville Smokies managed just two hits in a 4-1 loss to Rocket City. Jefferson Rojas doubled, and Alex Madera singled. Jordan Nwogu drew two walks and scored Knoxville's lone run, Owen Ayers picked up the team's only RBI on a sacrifice fly, and Andy Garriola and Edgar Alvarez each walked. Grant Kipp took the loss after 1 2/3 innings, surrendering five hits, four earned runs, and three walks while striking out two. The bullpen kept the deficit at four. Luis Martinez-Gomez tossed 2 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, two walks, and a hit allowed, and Frankie Scalzo Jr. followed with two scoreless frames, allowing one hit, two walks, and striking out two. The Trash Pandas got on the board first in the bottom of the first when an RBI single brought home a run. They tacked on three more in the bottom of the second. A walk preceded a wild pitch by Kipp that allowed a run to score, and a two-run single capped the rally to push the lead to 4-0. Knoxville's only run came in the top of the sixth. With one out, Nwogu walked, Rojas doubled to right field to put runners on second and third, and Ayers lifted a sacrifice fly to center to bring Nwogu home. Garriola walked to extend the inning, but Alvarez struck out to leave two runners stranded. Player AB R H RBI BB K Jordan Nwogu, CF 1 1 0 0 2 1 Jefferson Rojas, SS 3 0 1 0 0 1 Owen Ayers, C 2 0 0 1 0 0 Andy Garriola, RF 2 0 0 0 1 1 Edgar Alvarez, 1B 2 0 0 0 1 2 Carter Trice, LF 3 0 0 0 0 1 Ethan Hearn, DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 Devin Ortiz, 3B 3 0 0 0 0 0 Alex Madera, 2B 2 0 1 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Grant Kipp (L) 1 2/3 5 4 4 3 2 0 Luis Martinez-Gomez 2 1/3 1 0 0 2 3 0 Frankie Scalzo Jr. 2.0 1 0 0 2 2 0 Espinoza's Two-Hit Night Lone Bright Spot In South Bend's 6-1 Loss The South Bend Cubs were limited to four hits in a 6-1 home loss to Fort Wayne, with Leonel Espinoza accounting for two of them and the team's only run. Espinoza finished 2-for-2 with a double, a solo home run, and an RBI. Cole Mathis added a single and a walk, Matt Halbach singled, and Reginald Preciado was hit by a pitch before being lifted for Espinoza. Koen Moreno took the loss after 4 2/3 innings, allowing seven hits, five earned runs, one walk, and a home run while striking out five. The bullpen held Fort Wayne off the board for a stretch. Nate Williams worked 1 1/3 scoreless innings with three strikeouts, a walk, and a hit allowed. The TinCaps scored single runs in the second, third, and fourth innings, then broke the game open in the top of the fifth on a two-run home run that pushed the lead to 5-0. Espinoza got South Bend on the board in the bottom of the eighth with a home run to left center field that pulled the Cubs within 5-1. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kade Snell, CF 4 0 0 0 0 0 Cole Mathis, 1B 3 0 1 0 1 0 Cameron Sisneros, LF 3 0 0 0 1 0 Matt Halbach, 3B 4 0 1 0 0 0 Reginald Preciado, DH 0 0 0 0 0 0 Leonel Espinoza, DH 2 1 2 1 0 0 Drew Bowser, 2B 3 0 0 0 0 2 Miguel Useche, C 3 0 0 0 0 1 Geuri Lubo, RF 3 0 0 0 0 3 Christian Olivo, SS 2 0 0 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Koen Moreno (L) 4 2/3 7 5 5 1 5 1 Nate Williams 1 1/3 1 0 0 1 3 0 Ethan Bell 2.0 0 0 0 0 4 0 Kenyi Perez 1.0 1 1 1 1 2 0 Pelicans Plate Four In Second, Hold Off Columbia 4-2 The Myrtle Beach Pelicans plated all four of their runs in the bottom of the second inning and held off Columbia 4-2 at home. Alexey Lumpuy led the offense, going 2-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. Michael Carico and Eli Lovich each added two hits, Alexis Hernandez tripled and walked, and Derniche Valdez singled, walked, and drove in a run. Jairo Diaz contributed an RBI on a sacrifice fly. Edwardo Melendez delivered four innings of one-hit ball, walking one, striking out four, and allowing one unearned run. Victor Zarraga earned the win after 3 1/3 innings, giving up two hits and one earned run while issuing three walks and striking out six. Braylon Myers picked up the save with 1 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing two walks while striking out three. Columbia scored an unearned run in the top of the second when a runner came home from third on a groundout that was extended by an error. Myrtle Beach answered immediately. Carico and Lovich opened the bottom half with back-to-back singles, and Hernandez walked to load the bases. Valdez walked to force in Carico, and Diaz lifted a sacrifice fly to score Lovich. After a lineout, Ty Southisene was hit by a pitch to reload the bases, and Lumpuy lined a two-run double to right field to make it 4-1. The Fireflies pulled within two with an RBI sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth, but Myers stranded the bases loaded with a strikeout to end the threat and retired Columbia in order in the ninth. Player AB R H RBI BB K Ty Southisene, SS 3 0 0 0 0 0 Alexey Lumpuy, CF 4 0 2 2 0 0 Josiah Hartshorn, RF 4 0 0 0 0 0 Michael Carico, 1B 4 1 2 0 0 0 Eli Lovich, LF 4 1 2 0 0 1 Alexis Hernandez, 2B 3 1 1 0 1 2 Derniche Valdez, 3B 3 1 1 1 1 0 Jairo Diaz, C 2 0 0 1 0 1 Edward Vargas, DH 3 0 0 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Edwardo Melendez 4.0 1 1 0 1 4 0 Victor Zarraga (W) 3 1/3 2 1 1 3 6 0 Braylon Myers (S) 1 2/3 0 0 0 2 3 0 Cubs Transactions No Roster Moves Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B, K Kevin Alcantara: DNP Jonathon Long: 2-for-4, RBI Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramirez: 1-for-4, K, SB Kane Kepley: DNP Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-4 James Triantos: 2-for-4, R Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-3, BB Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 0-for-3 Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions (4/29) No Roster Moves Pedro Ramírez Homer, Long's Three RBI Lead I-Cubs Past Saints 11-4 The Iowa Cubs piled up 14 hits in an 11-4 road win over St. Paul. Pedro Ramírez led the charge with a two-run homer, three runs scored, and two RBI. Cleanup hitter Jonathon Long went 3-for-6 with three RBI, and Chas McCormick added three hits, two runs, and three RBI with a homer of his own. Ty Blach turned in a winning effort, working five innings with four hits allowed, three runs, three earned, one walk, and six strikeouts to improve to 2-1. Collin Snider, Ryan Jensen, and Gabe Klobosits each tossed a scoreless inning out of the bullpen, and Zac Leigh allowed a solo home run in the seventh. Iowa fell behind 3-1 after the second when the Saints answered Bateman's RBI double with a run-scoring single and a two-run homer. Ramírez tied it in the third with his two-run homer that scored Triantos. The lead and the offensive surge came in the sixth. BJ Murray opened with a single, Triantos walked, and after a force out, Long lined a two-run single to right that scored Murray and Ramírez. Kevin Alcántara then walked, and McCormick lined a single to right scoring Long for a 9-3 lead. Iowa added two more in the seventh on another RBI single from Long. Player AB R H RBI BB K BJ Murray 6 1 1 1 0 1 James Triantos 5 2 2 0 1 0 Pedro Ramírez 4 3 1 2 1 1 Jonathon Long 6 1 3 3 0 1 Kevin Alcántara 3 1 1 0 1 1 Justin Dean 0 0 0 0 1 0 Chas McCormick 4 2 3 3 1 0 Brett Bateman 3 0 1 1 2 0 Eric Yang 3 0 0 0 2 2 Hayden Cantrelle 5 1 2 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Ty Blach 5.0 4 3 3 1 6 1 Collin Snider 1.0 0 0 0 1 1 0 Zac Leigh 1.0 3 1 1 0 1 1 Ryan Jensen 1.0 0 0 0 0 3 0 Gabe Klobosits 1.0 0 0 0 0 1 0 Smokies Held To Four Hits In 6-0 Shutout Loss At Rocket City Knoxville was held to just four hits in a 6-0 loss at the Trash Pandas. Cleanup hitter Jefferson Rojas had the lone extra-base hit, a double in three at-bats. Jordan Nwogu, Carter Trice, and Karson Simas each contributed a single. The Smokies struck out seven times and stranded three runners. Starter Yenrri Rojas turned in a strong outing in defeat, going four innings with five hits, two earned runs, no walks, six strikeouts, and one home run allowed to fall to 0-2. Ben Johnson followed with two scoreless innings out of the bullpen. Evan Taylor came on in the seventh and finished the game with 1 2/3 hitless, scoreless innings and four strikeouts. Rocket City scored single runs in the second on a two-out RBI single, and in the third on a leadoff solo home run off Yenrri Rojas. The seventh broke the game open. Tyler Ras worked the inning and was tagged for three hits, two walks, and four runs (three earned) while recording just one out. The big damage came on a ground-rule double, a two-RBI single that drove in the runners, and a fielder's choice that brought in the inning's fourth run on a missed catch error at second base. Taylor entered to record the final two outs of the frame. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramírez 4 0 0 0 0 2 Jordan Nwogu 4 0 1 0 0 0 Owen Ayers 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jefferson Rojas 3 0 1 0 0 0 Andy Garriola 3 0 0 0 0 0 Edgar Alvarez 3 0 0 0 0 1 Carter Trice 3 0 1 0 0 1 Ariel Armas 3 0 0 0 0 0 Karson Simas 3 0 1 0 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Yenrri Rojas 4.0 5 2 2 0 6 1 Ben Johnson 2.0 2 0 0 1 0 0 Tyler Ras 0.1 3 4 3 2 0 0 Evan Taylor 1.2 0 0 0 0 4 0 Reginald Preciado's Three-Run Homer Not Enough In 7-4 Loss South Bend dropped a 7-4 game to Fort Wayne despite a four-run rally in the fourth inning. Reginald Preciado was the offensive star with a three-run homer, his second of the season, in three at-bats with a walk. Matt Halbach doubled and scored a run, Cole Mathis doubled in his only hit, and leadoff hitter Kane Kepley drove in a run on a sacrifice fly. Cameron Sisneros reached base three times via a single and two walks. In spite of the lose, South Bend set a new homerun record thanks to Sisneros, padded by Preciado, by hitting over 20 homers in the month of April, beating the record set back in 2022 by the MWL Championship team. Cole Reynolds turned in a tough start, allowing seven hits and four earned runs in 3 1/3 innings with one walk and five strikeouts. Adam Stone provided the bullpen's best work with two scoreless innings, two walks, and four strikeouts. Jackson Brockett took the loss to drop to 0-1, surrendering three hits and two earned runs in 1 2/3 innings. Grayson Moore allowed an earned run on a hit and two walks across two innings of relief, striking out two. The TinCaps put up four runs in the top of the fourth on five singles, including a two-RBI single that scored two and another two-RBI single that chased Reynolds. South Bend answered immediately. Sisneros singled, Halbach followed with a double, and Preciado launched his three-run homer to left. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley 3 0 1 1 1 0 Leonel Espinoza 5 0 0 0 0 2 Cole Mathis 4 0 1 0 0 2 Cameron Sisneros 2 1 1 0 2 0 Matt Halbach 4 1 1 0 0 1 Reginald Preciado 3 1 1 3 1 0 Drew Bowser 3 1 0 0 1 0 Justin Stransky 4 0 0 0 0 0 Christian Olivo 3 0 1 0 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Cole Reynolds 3.1 7 4 4 1 5 0 Jackson Brockett 1.2 3 2 2 0 0 1 Adam Stone 2.0 0 0 0 2 4 0 Grayson Moore 2.0 1 1 1 2 2 0 Three Homers, Four-Run First Push Pelicans Past Fireflies 7-3 Myrtle Beach hit three home runs and got a four-run first inning to beat Columbia 7-3. Jose Escobar went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and two RBI. Logan Poteet added a solo home run, two RBI, and a run scored, and Eli Lovich also went deep for a solo shot in the second. Leadoff hitter Ty Southisene reached three times via a single, a walk, and a stolen base. Starter David Bracho was efficient, going 3 2/3 innings with seven hits allowed, no runs, no walks, and three strikeouts. Aiden Moffett earned the win in 2 1/3 scoreless relief innings, walking one and striking out four to improve to 1-0. Jordan Henriquez picked up his first save with three innings, allowing one hit, three runs, two earned, two walks, and four strikeouts with a home run. The Pelicans erupted in the bottom of the first. Southisene led off with a single, Alexey Lumpuy reached on an error, and Josiah Hartshorn walked to load the bases. Cleanup hitter Michael Carico lifted a sacrifice fly to score Southisene, and Poteet followed with a sacrifice fly that scored Lumpuy. Escobar then crushed a two-run homer to left, scoring Hartshorn ahead of him. Lovich added a solo shot to lead off the second. Player AB R H RBI BB K Ty Southisene 3 1 1 0 1 0 Alexey Lumpuy 4 1 0 0 0 2 Josiah Hartshorn 2 1 0 0 2 0 Michael Carico 3 0 0 1 0 1 Logan Poteet 3 1 1 2 0 1 Jose Escobar 4 1 2 2 0 0 Yahil Melendez 3 0 0 0 1 1 Eli Lovich 4 1 1 1 0 0 Alexis Hernandez 3 1 1 0 1 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR David Bracho 3.2 7 0 0 0 3 0 Aiden Moffett 2.1 0 0 0 1 4 0 Jordan Henriquez 3.0 1 3 2 2 4 1 Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: 1-for-3, 2B Kevin Alcántara: 1-for-3, R, BB, K Jonathon Long: 3-for-6, R, 3 RBI, K Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramírez: 1-for-4, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, BB, K Kane Kepley: 1-for-3, RBI, BB, SB Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-2, R, 2 BB, SB James Triantos: 2-for-5, 2 R, BB, 2 SB Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-4, 2B, 2 K Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 1-for-3, R, BB, SB Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

Image courtesy of © Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images RHP Brooks Caple (South Bend Cubs) How He Got Here: A ninth-round pick in the 2024 draft, Caple worked through a full season in 2025 before moving into a larger role at South Bend. Early in 2026, he's already picked up a Pitcher of the Week honor, a sign that his progress is being noticed. Hitting the Hot Button: Caple has taken a clear step forward to open the season, posting a 2.89 ERA across 18 2/3 innings, with 24 strikeouts against just three walks. The improved control has allowed him to work cleaner innings while still missing bats. Opponents are hitting .179 against him, and he has done a strong job keeping runners off base and avoiding big innings. RHP Grant Kipp (Knoxville Smokies) How He Got Here: Kipp returned to Double-A after logging over 100 innings at the level last season, entering the year with a focus on tightening his approach. That work has already paid off, earning him multiple Pitcher of the Week honors along with a non-roster invite to big-league camp. Hitting the Hot Button: Kipp has looked more settled at the Double-A level, putting together 18 1/3 innings with a 2.45 ERA while striking out 21 and walking five. The strikeout ability has held steady, and the reduced walks reflect an improved ability to work ahead in counts and limit extended innings. Opponents are hitting just .175 against him, reflecting how well he has managed contact. LHP Jackson Brockett (Myrtle Beach Pelicans) How He Got Here: Signed to a minor-league deal in February, Brockett jumped straight into his first professional assignment with Myrtle Beach and has worked primarily in a multi-inning relief role. Hitting the Hot Button: Brockett has made an immediate impression in his first taste of pro ball, tossing 14 2/3 scoreless innings while holding hitters to a .109 average. He has struck out 15 along the way, and just as importantly, he's kept contact to a minimum while working efficiently through his outings. While the sample is still building, it's an early return worth following. Final Thoughts It is still early, but this group offers a snapshot of how the Cubs’ pitching pipeline is beginning to take shape. Caple’s early step forward, Kipp’s continued progress at Double-A, and Brockett’s fast start in his first pro action highlight the range of development across the system. If these trends hold, the Cubs could soon have multiple arms pushing into bigger conversations as the season takes shape. View full article

Chicago Cubs Minor League Report: Cubs Transactions Colorado Rockies traded 3B Nicky Lopez to Chicago Cubs for cash. Iowa Cubs Held Scoreless In 1-0 Home Loss The Iowa Cubs fell 1-0 at home to the Louisville Bats, managing only three hits across nine innings. Ty Blach took the loss, pitching 5 1/3 innings while allowing five hits, one earned run, one walk, and one strikeout. Starter Jordan Wicks worked 2 2/3 innings, giving up five hits and a walk but keeping Louisville off the board while striking out two. Tyler Beede closed out the game with one inning of scoreless work, striking out two without allowing a hit. Louisville scored the game's only run in the top of the sixth. Blach allowed a leadoff single and followed with a walk, before Owen Miller, Pedro Ramírez, and Jonathon Long turned a 6-4-3 double play that moved the lead runner to third base. A two-out double to center field then drove in the run. Iowa's offense was quiet across the board. Cleanup hitter Dylan Carlson finished 1-for-3 with a walk, Pedro Ramírez went 1-for-3 with a walk, and Brett Bateman added a single and a walk. The team drew four walks, struck out four times, grounded into a double play, and stranded five runners on base. Iowa also committed two errors behind the pitching staff. Player AB R H RBI BB K BJ Murray 4 0 0 0 0 1 Jonathon Long 4 0 0 0 0 0 Pedro Ramírez 3 0 1 0 1 1 Dylan Carlson 3 0 1 0 1 1 Christian Bethancourt 4 0 0 0 0 0 Owen Miller 3 0 0 0 0 0 Justin Dean 2 0 0 0 1 1 Brett Bateman 2 0 1 0 1 0 Hayden Cantrelle 3 0 0 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jordan Wicks 2 2/3 5 0 0 1 2 0 Ty Blach (L, 1-1) 5 1/3 5 1 1 1 1 0 Tyler Beede 1 0 0 0 0 2 0 Garriola's Two Home Runs Not Enough In Smokies' 6-4 Loss The Knoxville Smokies dropped a 6-4 home decision to the Chattanooga Lookouts despite a big afternoon from cleanup hitter Andy Garriola, who hit two home runs and drove in three of Knoxville's four runs. Grant Kipp took the loss after a five-inning start in which he allowed six hits and five earned runs, walking four and striking out seven. A three-run home run in the top of the second and a two-run triple in the third accounted for the bulk of the damage. Frankie Scalzo Jr. followed with two scoreless innings and two strikeouts. Tyler Ras allowed one run over the final two innings. Knoxville drew first blood in the bottom of the second when Garriola took a pitch out to left-center field for a solo home run. The Smokies then pieced together three runs in the bottom of the fifth. Karson Simas led off with a triple and scored on an Alex Ramírez groundout. With two outs, Owen Ayers singled to right field, and Garriola followed with a two-run homer to left that trimmed the deficit to 5-4. Garriola finished 2-for-3 with a walk, two home runs, and three RBI. Simas added a single, a triple, a run scored, and a pair of strikeouts. Ayers reached base twice with a single, a walk, and a run scored. Knoxville drew four walks, struck out 10 times, and left five runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramírez 4 0 0 1 0 2 Jordan Nwogu 4 0 0 0 0 0 Owen Ayers 3 1 1 0 1 1 Andy Garriola 3 2 2 3 1 1 Carter Trice 3 0 0 0 1 0 Edgar Alvarez 4 0 0 0 0 3 Ariel Armas 3 0 1 0 1 0 Devin Ortiz 4 0 0 0 0 1 Karson Simas 4 1 1 0 0 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Grant Kipp (L, 1-1) 5 6 5 5 4 7 1 Frankie Scalzo Jr. 2 2 0 0 2 2 0 Tyler Ras 2 2 1 1 3 1 0 Halbach's Three Doubles Lead South Bend To 10-4 Win The South Bend Cubs cruised to a 10-4 road win over the Dayton Dragons, collecting 11 hits and five doubles while drawing six walks. Starter Cole Reynolds worked 3 2/3 innings, allowing two hits and two earned runs on five walks with six strikeouts. Nate Williams picked up the win with 1 1/3 innings of relief, surrendering one hit, one earned run, one walk, and a home run while striking out three. JP Wheat followed with two innings in which he gave up two hits, one earned run, and five walks. Adam Stone closed out the final two scoreless innings with a hit, a strikeout, and no walks. South Bend broke through with three runs in the top of the third. Justin Stransky, Christian Olivo, and leadoff man Kane Kepley drew three consecutive walks to load the bases. Two wild pitches then plated a pair of runs during the next at-bat, and Kade Snell's sacrifice fly brought Kepley home. The Cubs blew it open with four runs in the top of the fifth. Kepley walked and Cole Mathis singled to put two on. After Snell moved the runners up on a groundout, cleanup man Matt Halbach ripped a two-run double to right field. Cameron Sisneros followed with a double that scored Halbach, Reginald Preciado singled, and Drew Bowser added an RBI single before being thrown out at second. Halbach finished 3-for-5 with three doubles, two runs, and two RBI. Sisneros went 2-for-5 with a double, two runs, and two RBI. Snell added a solo home run in the top of the ninth and drove in two. Preciado contributed two hits and a walk, and Kepley reached three times with two walks and scored twice. South Bend struck out nine times and left six runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley 3 2 0 0 2 1 Cole Mathis 5 1 1 0 0 2 Kade Snell 3 1 1 2 1 0 Matt Halbach 5 2 3 2 0 0 Cameron Sisneros 5 2 2 2 0 2 Reginald Preciado 4 0 2 0 1 2 Drew Bowser 5 0 1 2 0 1 Justin Stransky 3 1 1 0 1 1 Christian Olivo 3 1 0 0 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Cole Reynolds 3 2/3 2 2 2 5 6 0 Nate Williams (W, 1-0) 1 1/3 1 1 1 1 3 1 JP Wheat 2 2 1 1 5 1 0 Adam Stone 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 Brockett's Long Relief Can't Salvage Pelicans' 7-1 Loss The Myrtle Beach Pelicans fell 7-1 to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, managing only three hits and one walk across nine innings. Starter Kevin Camacho was charged with the loss after a disastrous bottom of the first. He issued four walks and allowed a hit while recording just two outs, giving up four runs, only one earned. A Pelicans error during the frame allowed two additional runners to score. David Bracho took over and worked 2 1/3 innings, giving up three hits, three earned runs, two walks, and four strikeouts while allowing a solo home run in the third. Jackson Brockett was the bright spot, tossing five scoreless innings of relief with one hit allowed, one walk, and four strikeouts. The Pelicans pushed across their only run in the top of the fifth. With one out, Derniche Valdez singled, then moved to third when Edward Vargas reached on a throwing error. Leadoff hitter Ty Southisene followed with a single to center that brought Valdez home. Valdez finished 2-for-3 with a triple and a run scored. Southisene went 1-for-4 with the team's lone RBI. Josiah Hartshorn drew the team's only walk. The Pelicans struck out 13 times and left four runners on base, and each team committed one error. Player AB R H RBI BB K Ty Southisene 4 0 1 1 0 0 Alexey Lumpuy 4 0 0 0 0 3 Josiah Hartshorn 3 0 0 0 1 2 Jose Escobar 4 0 0 0 0 1 Alexis Hernandez 4 0 0 0 0 3 Jairo Diaz 3 0 0 0 0 2 Derniche Valdez 3 1 2 0 0 1 Derik Alcantara 3 0 0 0 0 1 Edward Vargas 3 0 0 0 0 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Kevin Camacho (L, 0-1) 2/3 1 4 1 4 1 0 David Bracho 2 1/3 3 3 3 2 4 1 Jackson Brockett 5 1 0 0 1 4 0 Cubs Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: DNP Kevin Alcantara: DNP Jonathon Long: 0-for-4 Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramirez: 1-for-3, BB, K Kane Kepley: 0-for-3, 2 R, 2 BB, K Josiah Hartshorn: 0-for-3, BB, 2 K James Triantos: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 1-for-5, R, 2 K Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 1-for-4, RBI Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs activated LHP Matthew Boyd from the 15-day injured list. Chicago Cubs optioned LHP Luke Little to Iowa Cubs. Pedro Ramírez Drives In Eight As Iowa Outlasts Louisville Pedro Ramírez drove in eight runs on two home runs, including a grand slam, as the Iowa Cubs outlasted the Louisville Bats, 15-9, at Principal Park. The Cubs scored in six different innings, punctuated by a seven-run outburst in the bottom of the eighth. Ramírez finished 3-for-5 with two home runs, a two-run single in the seventh inning, and eight RBI. Leadoff hitter BJ Murray went 3-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, three runs scored, and three RBI. Brett Bateman collected three hits, a double, a walk, and scored four runs. Iowa trailed 3-2 entering the fifth inning before sending seven batters to the plate. Eric Yang's sacrifice fly plated Owen Miller, Murray doubled home Bateman, and Ramírez connected on a two-run homer to center. Louisville rallied to take a 9-8 lead into the bottom of the eighth, where the Cubs answered with seven runs. Yang and Murray delivered RBI singles, Jonathon Long reached on a fielder's choice that scored Yang, and Ramírez capped the inning with a grand slam to center. Starter Charlie Barnes worked five innings, allowing five hits, three earned runs, and two walks while striking out five. He surrendered two home runs. Collin Snider picked up the win with an inning of relief. Ryan Jensen closed out a scoreless ninth with one strikeout. Iowa finished with 14 hits, three home runs, and stranded three runners. Player AB R H RBI BB K BJ Murray 4 3 3 3 1 0 Jonathon Long 4 1 0 1 1 1 Pedro Ramírez 5 2 3 8 0 1 Kevin Alcántara 5 0 0 0 0 2 Dylan Carlson 5 1 1 1 0 1 Chas McCormick 5 1 1 0 0 2 Owen Miller 4 2 2 0 0 0 Eric Yang 3 1 1 2 0 0 Brett Bateman 3 4 3 0 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Charlie Barnes 5 5 3 3 2 5 2 Tyler Santana 2 7 5 5 2 1 2 Collin Snider (W) 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 Ryan Jensen 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 Smokies' Late Lead Slips Away Against Chattanooga A 4-3 Knoxville lead disappeared in the top of the eighth inning as the Smokies fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts, 8-4. Knoxville managed six hits, struck out 13 times, and stranded five runners. Andy Garriola accounted for two of Knoxville's four RBI. Ed Howard went 1-for-4 with a double. Jordan Nwogu reached base three times on a hit and two walks and scored once. Carter Trice and Owen Ayers each collected a hit, with Trice adding a stolen base. The Smokies plated two runs in the first inning. Trice singled, Nwogu walked, and Ayers lined a single to center that scored Trice. After Ariel Armas drew a bases-loaded walk, Devin Ortiz lifted a sacrifice fly to right to bring Nwogu home. Chattanooga pulled even in the third, and Knoxville retook the lead in the fifth inning when Haydn McGeary singled, Howard followed with a double, and after a walk loaded the bases, Garriola lined a two-run single to center for a 4-3 edge. The lead held until the eighth, when Chattanooga sent ten batters to the plate and scored five runs to flip the game. Starter Yenrri Rojas turned in the strongest outing of the night, throwing four innings while allowing five hits, three earned runs, and two walks with six strikeouts and one home run. Luis Rujano followed with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts. Marino Santy tossed 1 2/3 scoreless frames with three strikeouts. Player AB R H RBI BB K Carter Trice 4 1 1 0 0 1 Jordan Nwogu 2 1 1 0 2 0 Owen Ayers 4 0 1 1 0 3 Andy Garriola 4 0 1 2 0 2 Ariel Armas 2 0 0 0 2 1 Devin Ortiz 2 0 0 1 1 0 Karson Simas 4 0 0 0 0 2 Haydn McGeary 4 1 1 0 0 2 Ed Howard 4 1 1 0 0 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Yenrri Rojas 4 5 3 3 2 6 1 Luis Rujano 2 1 0 0 1 3 0 Luis Martinez-Gomez (L) 1 1/3 3 5 5 1 1 0 Marino Santy 1 2/3 2 0 0 0 3 0 Cole Mathis Doubles Twice In South Bend's Loss To Dayton The South Bend Cubs dropped an 8-5 decision to the Dayton Dragons at Day Air Ballpark, unable to recover after an early deficit. South Bend finished with six hits and left seven runners on base. Cole Mathis paced the offense, going 2-for-3 with two doubles, two walks, two runs scored, one RBI, and a stolen base. Leadoff hitter Kane Kepley singled, walked, scored twice, and swiped two bases. Kade Snell drove in two runs with a third-inning single, and Reginald Preciado added an RBI single later in the game. Christian Olivo singled home a run in the seventh. South Bend's only multi-run frame came in the third inning. Kepley reached, Mathis doubled, and Snell lined a two-run single to center. The Cubs added solo runs in the seventh on Olivo's RBI single, in the eighth on Preciado's single that scored Mathis, and in the ninth on Mathis's double that plated Kepley. Starter Nazier Mulé took the loss after one inning, allowing one hit, two runs (one earned), and two walks while striking out one. Grayson Moore tossed two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. Kenyi Perez threw 1 2/3 scoreless frames with three strikeouts. Brayden Spears yielded one earned run across two innings with three walks. Kenten Egbert was hit hardest, surrendering three earned runs in 1 1/3 innings. South Bend stole three bases and walked four times in the loss. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley 4 2 1 0 1 0 Cole Mathis 3 2 2 1 2 0 Kade Snell 5 0 1 2 0 1 Matt Halbach 3 0 0 0 1 0 Cameron Sisneros 4 0 0 0 0 1 Reginald Preciado 4 0 1 1 0 3 Drew Bowser 3 1 0 0 0 2 Dilan Granadillo 3 0 0 0 0 1 Christian Olivo 4 0 1 1 0 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Nazier Mulé (L) 1 1 2 1 2 1 0 Kenten Egbert 1 1/3 5 5 3 2 3 0 Brayden Spears 2 2 1 1 3 0 0 Kenyi Perez 1 2/3 2 0 0 1 3 0 Grayson Moore 2 0 0 0 2 2 0 Late Rally Falls Short As Pelicans Drop Fayetteville Game The Myrtle Beach Pelicans fell to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, 12-8, at Segra Stadium despite pushing runs across in the third, sixth, eighth, and ninth innings. Myrtle Beach collected nine hits, drew eight walks, and stranded nine runners. Alexey Lumpuy went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and an RBI. Josiah Hartshorn added two hits and scored twice. Logan Poteet went 2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored. Leadoff man Ty Southisene tripled, scored, and drove in a run. Alexis Hernandez tripled, walked twice, stole a base, and recorded an RBI. Myrtle Beach's biggest frame came in the sixth inning. Southisene tripled to lead off, Lumpuy singled him home, Hartshorn singled, Jose Escobar singled to score Lumpuy, and Ludwing Espinoza grounded out to plate Hartshorn. The Pelicans added two in the eighth on an Eli Lovich error, a Hartshorn run scored, and Hernandez's sacrifice fly, and two more in the ninth on bases-loaded walks drawn by Derniche Valdez and Lovich. Starter Noah Edders took the loss after three innings, giving up seven hits, seven runs (six earned), and two home runs with one strikeout. Braylon Myers struck out three in two scoreless innings. Aiden Moffett worked two scoreless frames. Daniel Avitia gave up five earned runs in one inning of relief. Player AB R H RBI BB K Ty Southisene 4 1 1 1 0 0 Alexey Lumpuy 5 2 2 1 0 1 Josiah Hartshorn 5 2 2 0 0 1 Logan Poteet 4 2 2 0 1 2 Jose Escobar 3 0 1 1 2 0 Ludwing Espinoza 2 0 0 1 1 0 Derniche Valdez 1 0 0 1 1 0 Eli Lovich 4 0 0 2 1 1 Alexis Hernandez 2 1 1 1 2 0 Derik Alcantara 4 0 0 0 0 2 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Noah Edders (L) 3 7 7 6 0 1 2 Braylon Myers 2 1 0 0 0 3 0 Daniel Avitia 1 7 5 5 0 1 0 Aiden Moffett 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 Cubs Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: DNP Kevin Alcantara: 0-for-5, 2 K Jonathon Long: 0-for-4, R, RBI, BB, K Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramirez: 3-for-5, 2 HR, 2 R, 8 RBI, K Kane Kepley: 1-for-4, 2 R, BB, 2 SB Josiah Hartshorn: 2-for-5, 2 R, K James Triantos: DNP Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB, SB Angel Cepeda: DNP Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 1-for-4, 3B, R, RBI Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs sent LHP Jordan Wicks on a rehab assignment to Iowa Cubs. Chicago Cubs signed free agent LF Dylan Carlson to a minor league contract. Chicago Cubs transferred RHP Cade Horton from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list. Right forearm strain. Chicago Cubs selected the contract of RHP Corbin Martin from Iowa Cubs. Bethancourt's Three-Hit Night Powers Iowa Past Columbus Iowa rallied past the Columbus Clippers for a 7-6 road win, with Christian Bethancourt driving in three runs on a 3-for-4 night that included a solo home run in the seventh and a two-run double in the eighth. The Cubs struck first in the top of the second, when Ben Cowles launched a two-run homer that also scored Chas McCormick. The Clippers cut into the deficit with two in the sixth before Iowa pushed back in the seventh, when Bethancourt's homer and a James Triantos RBI double that scored BJ Murray gave the Cubs a 4-2 edge. Columbus retook the lead in the bottom of the seventh with a three-run inning, but Iowa responded with three in the eighth. McCormick drew a bases-loaded walk that brought in Pedro Ramírez, and Bethancourt followed with his two-run double that scored Kevin Alcántara and Dylan Carlson. Triantos finished 2-for-5 with a double, an RBI, and a stolen base, and Cowles went 1-for-4 with the homer and two RBIs. Iowa drew six walks and managed eight hits, stranding six runners. On the mound, Jordan Wicks opened with three scoreless innings on his rehab assignment, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out two. Ty Blach followed with three and two-thirds innings of two-run ball, and Gabe Klobosits worked around a solo home run in the ninth to close it out. Player AB R H RBI BB K James Triantos (2B) 5 0 2 1 0 2 Jonathon Long (1B) 4 0 0 0 1 2 Pedro Ramírez (3B) 5 1 1 0 0 1 Kevin Alcántara (CF) 3 1 0 0 1 2 Dylan Carlson (LF) 3 1 0 0 1 1 Chas McCormick (RF) 2 1 0 1 2 0 Ben Cowles (SS) 4 1 1 2 0 0 Christian Bethancourt (C) 4 1 3 3 0 0 BJ Murray (DH) 3 1 1 0 1 0 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jordan Wicks 3 1 0 0 1 2 0 Ty Blach 3 2/3 4 2 2 4 2 0 Charlie Barnes 1/3 1 0 0 0 0 0 Collin Snider 1 1 3 3 0 0 1 Gabe Klobosits 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 Santy's Strikeout Barrage Wasted in Knoxville's Loss The Knoxville Smokies fell 13-4 at Pensacola, unable to recover from an early deficit and a seven-run Blue Wahoos sixth inning. Starter Jake Knapp allowed six runs on four hits, three walks, and two home runs across three and one-third innings while striking out three. Luis Rujano was tagged for seven runs, six earned, on three hits and four walks in two innings. Marino Santy was the lone bright spot on the mound, striking out eight in two and two-thirds scoreless innings with no hits allowed and two walks. Andy Garriola led the offense with a 2-for-4 night that included a three-run home run in the fourth and a run-scoring single in the fifth that plated Jordan Nwogu. Ethan Hearn drove in the final Smokies run with an RBI single later in the fifth, scoring Edgar Alvarez. Jordan Nwogu reached three times with two hits, a double, and a stolen base, and scored once. Edgar Alvarez walked three times and added a double, coming around to score twice. Ariel Armas finished 2-for-4 with two stolen bases. Knoxville collected nine hits and drew four walks but left eight runners on base and struck out 11 times as a team. Player AB R H RBI BB K Alex Ramírez (CF) 4 0 1 0 1 1 Jordan Nwogu (LF) 4 1 2 0 0 1 Miguel Useche (PH) 1 0 0 0 0 1 Karson Simas (SS) 5 0 0 0 0 2 Edgar Alvarez (1B) 1 2 1 0 3 0 Andy Garriola (RF) 4 1 2 3 0 1 Ethan Hearn (DH) 4 0 1 1 0 1 Ariel Armas (C) 4 0 2 0 0 0 Devin Ortiz (3B) 4 0 0 0 0 1 Alex Madera (2B) 4 0 0 0 0 3 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Jake Knapp 3 1/3 4 6 6 3 3 2 Luis Rujano 2 3 7 6 4 1 1 Marino Santy 2 2/3 0 0 0 2 8 0 Kepley Swipes Three as South Bend Routs Beloit South Bend cruised to a 12-5 home win over the Beloit Sky Carp behind a balanced attack and seven team stolen bases. Leadoff man Kane Kepley went 2-for-3 with two walks, two RBIs, a run scored, and three stolen bases. Cameron Sisneros finished 3-for-5 with a double, three RBIs, and a stolen base, and Owen Ayers added a 2-for-4 night with a home run, three RBIs, a walk, and a stolen base. Kade Snell drove in three runs on a 2-for-5 effort. The Cubs broke through for four runs in the second, when Sisneros ripped a two-run double that scored Leonel Espinoza and Matt Halbach, then Kepley followed with a two-run single that scored Sisneros and Drew Bowser. South Bend pushed across five more in the seventh, with RBI singles from Owen Ayers, Kade Snell, Cameron Sisneros, and Drew Bowser doing the damage. Ayers capped the scoring with a solo home run in the eighth. Starter Koen Moreno turned in four innings of one-run ball, allowing one hit and three walks while striking out five. Grayson Moore worked two and two-thirds scoreless innings in relief, allowing two hits and one walk. The Cubs drew 13 walks on the night and left 15 runners on base. Player AB R H RBI BB K Kane Kepley (CF) 3 1 2 2 2 0 Angel Cepeda (DH) 2 0 0 0 0 0 Reginald Preciado (DH) 4 1 0 0 0 2 Owen Ayers (C) 4 2 2 3 1 2 Kade Snell (RF) 5 1 2 3 1 2 Leonel Espinoza (LF) 0 1 0 0 4 0 Brian Kalmer (LF) 2 0 0 0 0 1 Matt Halbach (3B) 6 2 2 0 0 3 Cameron Sisneros (1B) 5 2 3 3 0 1 Drew Bowser (2B) 4 1 1 1 1 1 Christian Olivo (SS) 1 1 0 0 4 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Koen Moreno 4 1 1 1 3 5 0 Ethan Bell 1/3 2 2 1 2 0 0 Grayson Moore 2 2/3 2 0 0 1 0 0 Nate Williams 2 4 2 2 0 2 0 Three Homers, Combined Shutout Lift Myrtle Beach Over Kannapolis Myrtle Beach rolled to a 6-0 home win over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers behind three home runs and a three-pitcher shutout. Josiah Hartshorn led the offense with a 3-for-4 effort that included a two-run home run in the first, a double, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Cole Mathis went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer in the fifth, and Derniche Valdez added a solo shot in the fourth while finishing 2-for-4. The Pelicans struck right away in the bottom of the first when Ty Southisene doubled, advanced, and scored on Hartshorn's home run. In the third, Cole Mathis came around to score on a Logan Poteet RBI single. Valdez's solo homer in the fourth pushed the lead to 4-0, and Mathis's two-run blast in the fifth, which also scored Hartshorn, capped the scoring. Southisene finished 1-for-5 with a double and a run, and Poteet reached three times with a single, two walks, and an RBI. Myrtle Beach collected 10 hits, drew four walks, and left seven runners on base. On the mound, Victor Zarraga opened with four scoreless innings, allowing three hits and one walk with one strikeout. Ben Johnson followed with three scoreless innings of one-hit ball, walking two and striking out three. Jackson Brockett closed it with two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and striking out one. Player AB R H RBI BB K Ty Southisene (SS) 5 1 1 0 0 2 Josiah Hartshorn (RF) 4 2 3 2 0 0 Cole Mathis (1B) 4 2 2 2 0 2 Michael Carico (DH) 3 0 0 0 1 1 Logan Poteet (C) 2 0 1 1 2 1 Eli Lovich (LF) 4 0 0 0 0 1 Ludwing Espinoza (2B) 4 0 0 0 0 1 Derniche Valdez (3B) 4 1 2 1 0 1 Derik Alcantara (CF) 3 0 1 0 1 1 Player IP H R ER BB K HR Victor Zarraga 4 3 0 0 1 1 0 Ben Johnson 3 1 0 0 2 3 0 Jackson Brockett 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 Cubs Top-20 Prospect Performance Moises Ballesteros: DNP Jaxon Wiggins: DNP Jefferson Rojas: DNP Kevin Alcántara: 0-for-3, R, BB, 2 K Jonathon Long: 0-for-4, BB, 2 K Ethan Conrad: DNP Pedro Ramírez: 1-for-5, R, 2B, K Kane Kepley: 2-for-3, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 3 SB Josiah Hartshorn: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2B, HR, 2 RBI James Triantos: 2-for-5, 2B, RBI, SB, 2 K Brandon Birdsell: DNP Cole Mathis: 2-for-4, 2 R, HR, 2 RBI, 2 K Angel Cepeda: 0-for-2 Kaleb Wing: DNP Will Sanders: DNP Juan Cabada: DNP Jostin Florentino: DNP Dominick Reid: DNP Ty Southisene: 1-for-5, R, 2B, 2 K Erian Rodriguez: DNP View full article

Chicago Cubs Affiliate Overview (April 10th - April 12th) Triple-A Iowa Cubs Season Record: 8-6 Series Opponent: Omaha Storm Chasers Series Standing: 2-3 Double-A Knoxville Smokies Season Record: 5-4 Series Opponent: Rocket City Trash Pandas Series Standing: 4-2 High-A South Bend Cubs Season Record: 4-2 Series Opponent: Peoria Chiefs Series Standing: 4-2 Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans Season Record: 5-4 Series Opponent: Columbia Fireflies Series Standing: 2-4 Triple-A Iowa Cubs Season Record: 8-6 Series Opponent: Omaha Storm Chasers Series Standing: 2-3 April 10 (Game 1): Iowa opened with early execution as Justin Dean singled, stole second, and scored on a BJ Murray RBI single. Kevin Alcántara added a double, but the offense stalled. Omaha broke through with a four-run third inning, stringing together extra-base hits and singles to take control. Iowa’s pitching could not recover from the surge, and the offense was held scoreless the rest of the way in a 6-1 loss. April 10 (Game 2): Iowa fell behind early as Omaha capitalized on walks and timely hits to build a 3-0 lead. Christian Bethancourt’s two-run home run in the fifth ignited the offense, and Iowa tied the game in the sixth behind doubles from Jonathon Long and Pedro Ramírez. The bullpen held through extra innings, but Omaha broke through in the ninth with a two-run single, handing Iowa a 6-4 loss. April 11: Iowa responded with a 7-3 win, rallying after an early deficit. James Triantos drove in a run, and Justin Dean added a two-run single before Ben Cowles delivered a two-run double in a decisive sixth inning. Jonathon Long extended the lead with a run-scoring double. Iowa’s pitching stabilized after early pressure and limited Omaha to three runs, closing out the game effectively. April 12: Game canceled. Double-A Knoxville Smokies Season Record: 5-4 Series Opponent: Rocket City Trash Pandas Series Standing: 4-2 April 10: Knoxville fell behind early as Rocket City scored across the first four innings. The Smokies responded in the fifth with Carter Trice’s double, RBI singles from Alex Madera and Jefferson Rojas, and a two-run double from Alex Ramírez. Knoxville trimmed the deficit to one, but Rocket City added three runs in the eighth. A bases-loaded chance in the ninth produced only one run in a 9-6 loss. April 11: Both teams were scoreless through five innings before Knoxville broke through in the sixth. Rocket City responded in the eighth, but Devin Ortiz homered to cut the deficit. In the ninth, Karson Simas tied the game with an RBI hit, and Ortiz delivered a sacrifice fly to complete the comeback. Knoxville’s pitching held early and limited late damage in a 4-3 win. April 12: Knoxville took a 1-0 lead on Devin Ortiz’s home run but fell behind in the eighth. The Smokies tied the game in the ninth on a Haydn McGeary double after a bases-loaded walk cut the deficit. In the 10th, Rocket City used the extra-inning runner to score three runs on a bunt, single, and double. Knoxville added a run but fell 7-4. High-A South Bend Cubs Season Record: 4-2 Series Opponent: Peoria Chiefs Series Standing: 4-2 April 10: South Bend took control early as Reginald Preciado drove in two runs with a double. Kade Snell and Owen Ayers added middle-inning production, and Angel Cepeda extended the lead with a three-run double. Peoria mounted a late rally, loading the bases in the ninth, but South Bend’s pitching held to secure an 8-6 win. April 11: Trailing early, South Bend erupted for seven runs in the seventh inning. Cameron Sisneros opened the rally with a home run, and Leonel Espinoza followed with a three-run shot. Drew Bowser added a two-run single, and Matt Halbach homered late. South Bend’s pitching limited Peoria after the early innings in a 9-3 win. April 12: South Bend led early before Peoria scored four runs in the fifth. In the ninth, Leonel Espinoza doubled and Owen Ayers delivered a two-run home run to reclaim the lead. The bullpen closed the final inning, preserving a 5-4 win and completing the series sweep of the weekend games. Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans Season Record: 5-4 Series Opponent: Columbia Fireflies Series Standing: 2-4 April 10: Myrtle Beach struck first as Ty Southisene set the table with aggressive baserunning and Alexey Lumpuy drove in two runs with a single. Columbia answered quickly and added runs in the middle innings. Despite multiple stolen bases and baserunners, Myrtle Beach could not capitalize further and was held scoreless after the third in a 6-2 loss. April 11: The Pelicans traded runs early and reclaimed the lead in the seventh after Ludwing Espinoza tripled and scored. Jairo Diaz extended the lead with a three-run home run in the eighth, but Columbia responded with a late rally, tying and taking the lead on a double and sacrifice fly. Myrtle Beach was retired in order in the ninth in a 10-8 loss April 12: Columbia built an early lead with a first-inning grand slam and added runs in the fourth. Myrtle Beach responded with a solo home run from Cole Mathis but struggled to generate sustained offense. Late runs from Eli Lovich and Derik Alcantara narrowed the gap, but the early deficit proved decisive in an 8-3 loss. Cubs Transactions Chicago Cubs placed RHP Hunter Harvey on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to April 9, 2026, with right triceps inflammation. Chicago Cubs selected the contract of LHP Charlie Barnes from Iowa Cubs. View full article

Cubs Affiliate Overview (April 3rd - April 5th) Triple-A Iowa Cubs Series at St. Paul Saints (Minnesota Twins): Win 5-1 Season Record: 5-3 Double-A Tennessee Smokies Series vs. Birmingham Barons (White Sox): 2-1 Season Record: 2-1 High-A South Bend Cubs Series vs. Quad Cities River Bandits: 0-1 Season Record: 0-1 Single-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans Series vs. Charleston River Dogs: Win 3-0 Season Record: 3-0 Triple-A Iowa Cubs Season Record: 6-3 Series Opponent: Louisville Bats Series Standing: 5-1 April 3: The Iowa Cubs are back with a vengeance with their first series of the season against the Louisville Bats. Friday’s game was a dominant outing for the Iowa Cubs, overtaking the Bats 7-2. Will Sanders his first quality start of the season on the mound with 7 strikeouts and 2 home runs. The 2nd inning was the busiest for the Cub’s bats. Chas McCormick sent a rocket over the left center field wall on a 1-2 count to tie the game. Justin Dean singled with a line drive to center, scoring Christian Bethancourt and advancing Brett Bateman into scoring position. With two outs James Triantos extended the lead with a home run of his own, giving Iowa a 4 run lead against the Bats. Chas McCormick doubled on a lined drive to left field scoring Pedro Ramirez. Notably in the 9th, Jonathan Long tripled on a sharp hit fly ball to center field where he was able to score on a wild pitch, giving Iowa their 7th run of the night. April 4: It was an early and high scoring battle with Iowa’s game being cut short after the start of the 6th inning due to weather giving the I-Cubs their 4th straight win. Iowa set a strong lead in the first 3 innings running up the score to to 8 runs leading by 2. Justin Wiggins took to the mound pitching 4 innings. With increased focus following Cade Horton’s early removal from Chicago’s game against the Guardians on 4/03. Wiggins had a difficult start finding his rhythm, walking 2 batters, giving up 2 runs in the 2nd and a homerun in the 3rd striking out 4; Wiggins ERA sits at 5.63. Luke Little closed the game earning his 2nd win of the season. BJ Murray, Pedro Ramirez and Kevin Alcántara each logged their third home run of the season by the 3rd inning giving Alcántara his 7th RBI of the season and 3rd long ball in 6 games. April 5: The Iowa Cubs struck early and built a steady lead on the way to a 6–2 win over Louisville at Louisville Slugger Field. James Triantos set the tone in the first, singling, stealing second, and advancing to third on an error before scoring on Jonathon Long’s RBI single for a 1–0 lead. Kevin Alcántara added to the advantage in the third, launching a solo home run to left field. After Louisville answered with a run in the bottom half, Iowa responded with a decisive fourth inning. BJ Murray opened the fourth with a walk and stolen base, and later scored on Christian Bethancourt’s single. Triantos followed with a two-run double to left, bringing home Ben Cowles and Bethancourt to extend the lead to 5–1. Chas McCormick added insurance in the fifth with a solo home run to left center to mark his third straight games of homers. Triantos finished 2-for-4 with a double, two RBI, and a run scored, while Long added two hits and an RBI. Murray reached base twice, scored two runs, and tripled in the eighth. Bethancourt collected two hits and drove in a run. Starter Vince Velasquez worked five innings, allowing one run with two walks and six strikeouts and was named Player of The Game. Tyler Santana followed with three innings, allowing one run with one walk and three strikeouts. Gavin Hollowell handled the ninth, allowing one run and striking out one. Louisville scored once in the ninth, but Iowa maintained control to secure the win. Double-A: Knoxville Smokies Season Record: 1-1 Series Opponent: Birmingham Barons (White Sox) Series Standing: 1-1 April 3: The Knoxville Smokies started their season off with a bang wining their opener with a 9-6 victory. Jefferson Rojas for his first at bat launched a 3 run homer in the 1st inning. Rojas looked much more comfortable in the box compared to his last season appearance indicating strong offseason development. Seiya Suzuki made his first appearance on a rehab assignment going 1-2 with a sac fly and scoring a run. Suzuki looked comfortable in warm ups and batting practice prior to the game with solid plate appearances until being sat after the 5th inning. A.D. Ramírez contributed multiple hits with 2 RBIs and 2 stolen bases. Jordan Nwogu and Ariel Armas also contributed multi-hit games. The Smokies bullpen preserved the lead with Zane Mills starting pitching going into the 4th. Knoxville played well defensively with a key double play from Rojas to Edgar Alvarez to halt any rally from the Barons. Jefferson Rojas made a stellar diving play to end the 6th inning. Starter Zane Mills worked on the mound for 3 innings before the bullpen came in. Tyler Beck earned the win by holding the game with 2 hits and 3 runs with relievers Andrew Schultz and Edwin Taylor both contributing 2 scoreless innings to hold the lead and secure the win. April 4: The Smokie lost 6-2 on Saturday. An inability for the offense to get traction set the Smokies back while pitching from Knoxville took longer than desired to find a rhythm. Jefferson Rojas went 1-4 and scoring a run his only hit being a double on an outside pitch with a 2-2 count. Edgar Alvarez hit a single and earned an RBI to score Rojas and Karson Simas got on base and scored a run to give Knoxville their only runs of the game. Seiya Suzuki went 1-4 in DH with a notable punch out looking that had everyone in knoxville wishing for ABS. Starting pitching for the Smokies was Luis Martinez-Gomez who had a shaky start to his season. The first inning proved difficult for Martinez-Gomez to find the strike zone while also giving up a 2 run home run earning him the loss for this game. April 5: The Knoxville Smokies fell 10–5 to Birmingham after a decisive early stretch at Covenant Health Park. Birmingham struck quickly in the second inning, stringing together four singles to take a 4–0 lead. The visitors added to it in the third, highlighted by a two-run double from Wilfred Veras and another two-run double from Calvin Harris. Caden Connor capped the inning with a three-run double, extending the deficit to 10–0. Knoxville broke through in the fourth. Seiya Suzuki singled and later scored on a sacrifice fly from Jordan Nwogu to make it 10–1. The Smokies added more in the fifth when Karson Simas connected on a two-run home run, bringing home Andy Garriola and trimming the margin to seven. Knoxville continued to chip away late. In the eighth, Jefferson Rojas singled and scored on Ariel Armas’ double. Garriola followed with an RBI single, scoring Armas to cut the deficit to 10–5. Suzuki reached base twice and scored a run, while Garriola collected two hits and scored once. Simas drove in two runs with his home run, and Armas added a double and RBI. Starter Yenrri Rojas worked 2 2/3 innings, allowing seven runs with two walks and two strikeouts. Grant Kipp followed with 1 1/3 innings, allowing three runs with two walks and no strikeouts. Jake Bockenstedt added two innings of relief, striking out one without allowing a run. Despite late offense, Knoxville could not overcome the early deficit. High-A South Bend Cubs Season Record: N/A Series Opponent: The Quad Cities River Bandits (Kansas City Royals) Series Standing: N/A April 3: The South Bend Cubs have had a less than ideal start to their season. The opening day ceremonies, and first home opener since 2022, were cut short due to a flooded infield that was deemed unsafe for play. A disappointing day as the South Bend Cubs unveiled their double decker stadium expansion to seat more than 10,000 attendees. April 4: Saturday’s game was also postponed due to Weather and Fielding Conditions. April 5: Sunday’s game was a 7 inning double header against the River Bandits. Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans Season Record: 3-0 Series Opponent: Charleston River Dogs (Tampa Bay Rays) Series Standing: 3-0 April 3: Friday’s game for the Pelicans came on the heels of a 15 run blow out against the River Dogs. The Pelicans pulled through with a late game comeback win over Charleston, erasing a 1 run deficit in the 9th on a go-ahead 2 run home run from Cole Mathis to lock the 5-4 victory for the Pelicans. Cole Mathis delivered the securing swing of the night with his 2 run homer in the 9th while Josiah Hartshorn and Micahael Carico each contributed a solo homer earlier in the game. Jordan Henriquez earned the win on the mound. This win over the River Dogs delivers back to back wins for the Pelicans, scoring early in both games. The pelicans delivered a strong continuation off of thursday’s victory by clawing back the win with a multiple homerun game and a strong early offensive outing for Myrtle Beach to open the series. April 4: Break out the broomsticks for Myrtle Beach as the Pelicans held off a late game come back by the River Dogs to sweep the series at home with a final score of 4-3. Alex Lumpuy led Myrtle Beach at the plate with 3 hits and 2 stolen bases. Josiah Hartshorn, Luis Escobar, and Michael Vargas each drove in runs to bring up the Pelican’s lead. On the mound, David Bracho started, with Erisbel Melendez and Dean Jerzembeck each combining for 9 innings of solid pitching, each maintaining a 0.0 ERA for the start of their season. Dean Jerzembeck held the late game rally by the River Dogs to earn the win. On the fielding side for the Pelicans; 3 errors were earned with 2 coming in the 9th inning with a fielding error by Eli Lovich and a throwing error by Lu Espinoza that spurred the late game rally for the River Dogs. April 5: The Pelicans have April 5 and April 6 off to prepare for their stretch on the road against the Columbia Fireflies for a six-game series on April 7 at Segra Park. View full article

There’s a certain magic unique to baseball. Something that only exists in rumors and tall tales. That kind of magic is what gave birth to baseball in South Bend, Indiana. A Ghost and a Glove (1860-1920) On the eve of the Civil War, a man named Henry Benjamin arrived in South Bend, carrying only a worn glove and rules to an unknown game. Before long Henry captivated South Bend with the game of baseball and soon established the first South Bend team, “The Hoosiers”. By 1870, South Bend was steeped in baseball and Henry Benjamin had vanished without a trace — no photos, no newspaper clippings; he was never registered on the census. All that remained of him was the game he brought. In the rusted iron dust and earth of factory back lots, amidst the deafening hum of machinery at the turn of the 19th century, baseball took root and found its rhythm and for over 100 years, grew with the city. In that time, another legend helped take South Bend’s pastime and solidify it as a cornerstone of the city. If Henry Benjamin was the soul of baseball in South Bend, Stanley Coveleski was its flesh and blood. Born to Polish immigrants in the coal-mining town of Shamokin, Pennsylvania. at the age of 12, Stanley Coveleski began working in those coal mines. On his breaks, when he had them, he often honed his aim by throwing rocks at cans. Later in life, he used that arm to secure the win in three games of the 1920 World Series. He finished his career with over 200 wins. When the time came to hang the glove it wasn’t New York or Cleveland where he chose to settle. It was South Bend. Coveleski made this factory town his home, where he offered free pitching lessons to local youth for decades. His impact in the community may have been greatest in backlots, sandlots, and neighborhood ball diamonds where the kids put Coveleski’s lessons to use for years to come, and when the time came, teaching it to kids of their own. The Studebaker Era (1920-1980) In the early days following Coveleski’s retirement in 1929, South Bend had already seen the rise of several early baseball clubs — yeams like the Whitecaps and the legendary Green Stockings. These teams were supported by local business. Factories like the famous Studebaker Company contributed to the construction of many stadiums and fields for their workers. Coveleski’s presence, along with the booming investment from South Bend’s auto industry, helped build a thriving baseball culture. That era, and Coveleski's influence, brought legends like Babe Ruth and later Satchel Paige to town for exhibition games. But no good thing lasts forever. Late into the 1950s, the economy had come to a standstill. As Studebaker struggled to survive, they desperately reclaimed the fields it had built (invoking contract clauses to reclaim ownership). This collapsed the adult, semi-pro, and casual leagues throughout the city. Ball diamonds became land assets and were sold off; Studebaker closed regardless. A City Asleep (1980–2010) Through to the 1980s, baseball had disappeared as South Bend spent decades trying to recover economically from the collapse of local businesses. In 1984, the city turned to a nontraditional approach for change, bringing baseball back. In 1986, yhe city’s first High-A baseball team came to town and in 1988, Stanley Coveleski Stadium was opened next to the ruins of the old Studebaker buildings as a testament of endurance. The pride of a baseball town was reignited with South Bend winning the Midwest League Championships in 1989 and 1993. By 1994, the South Bend Silver Hawks, affiliate for the Diamondbacks replaced the original team. “The Cove” became a community staple and went on to win the City its third Midwest title in 2005. Around that time, word spread that the Diamondbacks were leaving risking a blow to the city that it could not afford. Former Indiana Governor, Joe Kernan, a South Bend native, ballplayer, and POW, led a group of investors to purchase the team in 2006 and “The Cove” celebrated its 4 millionth fan. While the stadium was saved, maintenance slipped and attendance went with it. This was in no small part due to the recession of 2008 which destroyed any economic progress South Bend made since Studebaker. Unemployment skyrocketed and sections of the city rapidly decayed, particularly south of the city where “The Cove” was located. The odds weren’t with the ball club, but the city persisted — they'd unfortunately been in this situation before. Berlin’s At-Bat The former governor found a potential buyer and here is where Andrew Berlin enters the frame. Berlin's initial impression of Coveleski Stadium was that “There were just a couple hundred people there and the place didn’t look that great... Gov. Kernan joked with me that it was Friends and Family Day. As charming and as thoughtful as he was… it was kind of hard to see what we could do with this stadium. It was in a tough place in 2011. [Source: South Bend Tribune] Berlin was hesitant to purchase the team at first but, “Joe convinced me it was a diamond in the rough. Once in, I was all in. I leaned in hard because I wasn’t going to go into a business and not try to be successful." In 2011, Berlin purchased the team and focused on keeping the team in South Bend. With Berlin’s backing and a newfound enthusiasm, attendance skyrocketed by 68% the first year and a new team store was established in left field after the conversation of an old synagogue. The transformation was completed in 2013 with the renaming of the field to “Four Winds Field at Coveleski Stadium” to honor Caveleski and the local band of Potatwomi tribe. “Four Winds” comes from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi and represents beginnings, strength, reflection, wisdom, and endurance. Those winds now carry the sound of the game, the roar of the crowd, and the sense that something that was lost has found its way home. The city had its ball team. Now it had to prove it could work. The Cubs Arrive The proof came quickly. On Sept 25, 2014, the South Bend Silver Hawks were re-branded again and “The Cove” had a new team. The South Bend Cubs found their home, with a clear goal — to make Four Winds Field their very own ‘Little Wrigley’. Andrew Berlin contributed several million dollars in investment into the team and its infrastructure by fully renovating the field with new natural turf for first pitch on April 9th, 2015. The next month, the South Bend Cubs opened their state-of-the-art Performance Center; a 17,000-square-foot facility built for top-of-the-line development. Plasters get Major League level analysis and training to make the adjustments and tuning to make it to the professional level. It’s also one of the few places where professional-level instruction is open to the public alongside future Cubs as they refine their game. Its proximity to Wrigley Field and its high-end performance center makes South Bend a natural stop for rehab assignments, where established players return to form alongside those still working to make it to The Show. Where The Road to The Show Begins Since becoming the High-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs in 2015, South Bend has become a true proving ground in the Cubs’ system. Some of the most notable players who have played in South Bend include players like: Nico Hoerner, Christopher Morel, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Miguel Amaya, Brennen Davis, and Owen Caissie who all came through as top prospects that's given South Bend a particular point of pride. This isn’t just a stop along the way though. It’s where the wheat is separated from the chaff, where performance starts to matter, where adjustments take shape, and where potential turns to talent. What happens in South Bend isn’t accidental – it’s built into the level. It’s close enough to Chicago that players get their first glimpses of light from the Marquee while progressing on the long road ahead. There’s no hiding here, only repetition, failure, and the slow process of becoming something that can last. What started with player development didn’t just happen on the field. For the next two years, the South Bend Cubs set attendance record after attendance record, earning recognition for their facilities and securing their place in the Cubs’ system over the long term. But the growth didn’t stop there. The South Bend Cubs were voted best Class A ballpark in the country in 2017 and was given the privilege of hosting the 55th Annual Midwest League All-Star Game and Home Run Derby for the efforts. Something that hadn’t happened in more than 30 years. That momentum rolled right into more investment. The Ivy at Berlin Place rose beyond the outfield wall, the addition of rooftop seating brought a familiar Wrigley feel to South Bend, and the stadium itself expanded to meet the demand. The latest expansion, a $48 million project, will push capacity over 10,000 and position South Bend to make the case for AA or even reach for AAA designation after 2030. This expansion adds a new upper deck level, expanded concourses, and a year-round event space. The new upper deck’s exposed steel support beams were designed to intentionally replicate those at Wrigley Field, furthering the “Little Wrigley” moniker. The city recently purchased the historic Union Train Station across from the ballpark with the hopes of someday connecting a train line to Chicago emulating taking the redline to Wrigley Field. In total, more than $60 million has been invested into Four Winds Field. This investment didn’t just change the stadium — it’s changed the city around it. New apartments with rooftop stands, bars, restaurants are all planned to rap the stadium South Bend has been many things over the decades; a booming factory town, a city shaken by collapse, and now its a baseball town again. This team doesn’t just play in the city. It plays for it. Loyal fans cheer at every crack of the bat, you can feel time reaching back — from Henry Benjamin’s quiet arrival, to Stanley Coveleski’s lasting presence, to the Cubs’ next generation taking shape just a short ride from Chicago. The Cubs didn’t just bring baseball back to South Bend. They helped bring the city back to itself. This is more than a field to the city. It’s more than a game to us. View full article