Travis Klosinski

Image courtesy of Dylan Heuer/Iowa Cubs Standings (As of June 18) Iowa Cubs (AAA, IL West): 41–29, 10 games back of first place Knoxville Smokies (AA, SL North): 30–36, 6 games back South Bend Cubs (High-A, MWL East): 19–41, 21 games back Myrtle Beach Pelicans (A, Carolina South): 26–39, 9 games back Series Summary (June 17–18) Iowa @ Nashville: 1–1 Knoxville vs. Biloxi: 0–2 South Bend @ Lake County: 1–1 Myrtle Beach vs. Fayetteville: 1–1 Iowa Cubs (Triple-A) June 17 @ Nashville – Lost 9–0 The I-Cubs were shut out in a frustrating loss, with Owen Caissie collecting all four of the team's hits in a 4-for-4 performance that included a double. Kenta Maeda worked six innings and allowed four earned runs on seven hits. Eli Morgan, on rehab assignment, struggled in relief and was charged with four earned runs in just two-thirds of an inning. Iowa went hitless with runners in scoring position and committed a costly defensive error. June 18 @ Nashville – Won 5–3 Moisés Ballesteros came through in the clutch, going 2-for-4 with three RBIs. His fifth-inning two-run double flipped a 3–2 deficit into a 4–3 lead. Ben Cowles added a sixth-inning insurance run with an RBI double. Starter Will Sanders pitched five innings and allowed three runs while working through a 53-minute rain delay. The bullpen, anchored by Manny Rodriguez and closer Nate Pearson, secured the win with four innings of scoreless relief. Knoxville Smokies (Double-A) June 17 vs Biloxi – Lost 9–8 Knoxville's offense exploded for 13 hits, including a home run by Pablo Aliendo and a four-hit night from Jordan Nwogu. Pedro Ramirez tripled, walked, and scored three times in an energized performance. Starter Chris Kachmar went four innings with five strikeouts, but the bullpen faltered late. Frankie Scalzo Jr. gave up the game-tying and go-ahead runs in the eighth, despite inheriting two runners and recording two outs. June 18 vs Biloxi – Lost 6–2 BJ Murray Jr. stayed hot with his 11th homer of the season, a solo shot in the fourth. Pedro Ramirez added a single and executed a steal of home on a squeeze play involving Corey Joyce. Sam Armstrong gave up five runs across five innings and took the loss. The Smokies were limited to just four hits and went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position. South Bend Cubs (High-A) June 17 @ Lake County – Lost 10–2 It was a rough outing for Brooks Caple, who issued five walks and hit a batter in four innings, giving up five runs. The bullpen was similarly shaky, and two South Bend errors made matters worse. Cameron Sisneros impressed in his High-A debut with two doubles and an RBI. James Triantos, on rehab, added a double and stolen base, while Ariel Armas contributed another extra-base hit. June 18 @ Lake County – Won 4–2 South Bend rebounded behind a dominant start from Tyler Schlaffer, who threw seven innings of two-hit ball, allowing just one earned run and striking out five. Jefferson Rojas doubled twice, drove in two, and scored twice to lead the offense. Cameron Sisneros followed up his debut with two more RBI doubles. Carter Trice reached base and scored on Rojas' eighth-inning hit that helped seal the game. Eduarniel Nunez closed it down for the save. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A) June 17 vs Fayetteville – Lost 5–2 Yenrri Rojas struggled early, giving up four runs in 4 1/3 innings. Yahil Melendez stood out at the plate with an RBI single and two stolen bases. Alexey Lumpuy added two outfield assists and a diving catch that saved extra bases. Myrtle Beach was just 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base. June 18 vs Fayetteville – Won 8–7 (Walk-Off) In one of the most exciting games of the year, Myrtle Beach stormed back from a 7–3 deficit. Yahil Melendez led the charge with a triple, a run scored, and an RBI. Will Frisch struggled, surrendering seven earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. Chris Clarke turned in a brilliant relief outing, striking out seven in 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Leonel Espinoza’s two-hit effort tied the game in the ninth, and Owen Ayers scored the game-winner after reaching on an error. Midweek Analysis Iowa appears to be stabilizing, led by Caissie’s consistency and Ballesteros’ production in the heart of the lineup. The Smokies continue to hit but lack late-game relief consistency, a recurring issue in June. South Bend is gaining traction as Schlaffer’s return bolsters a rotation now featuring productive new faces like Sisneros. Myrtle Beach’s youthful lineup is playing loose and with flair—highlighted by back-to-back dynamic performances from Melendez and Clarke. View full article

Moises BallesterosKevin AlcantaraOwen CaissieCristian HernandezJefferson RojasJaxon WigginsJames TriantosJonathon LongBrandon BirdsellCole MathisRyan GallagherChristian FranklinPedro RamirezWill SandersIvan BrethowrNazier MuleFernando CruzJuan TomasAngel CepedaBJ Murray Jr

Moises BallesterosKevin AlcantaraOwen CaissieCristian HernandezJefferson RojasJaxon WigginsJames TriantosJonathon LongBrandon BirdsellCole MathisRyan GallagherChristian FranklinPedro RamirezWill SandersIvan BrethowrNazier MuleFernando CruzJuan TomasAngel CepedaBJ Murray Jr

Image courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Series-at-a-Glance (June 9–10) Iowa @ Omaha: Split 1–1 (won 7–3, lost 8–5) Knoxville vs Columbus: Split 1–1 (won 5–0, lost 7–6) South Bend vs Great Lakes & @ Fort Wayne: Swept 2–0 (won 11–2, won 11–9) Myrtle Beach: Off day on June 9, then lost 0–1 (9–4) Iowa Cubs (Triple‑A) June 9 at Omaha – Won 7–3 Iowa completed a series win with a dominant offensive showing. Owen Caissie launched a two-run homer, his eighth of the year, followed by Carlos Pérez’s 11th. Moisés Ballesteros chipped in with a sac fly. Starter Michael Fulmer gave up two runs in 2⅔ innings, then Brooks Kriske, Nate Pearson, and Jack Neely combined for five shutout innings. June 10 at Omaha – Lost 8–5 The offense stayed hot early—Ballesteros hit his seventh homer, Caissie connected for his ninth, Kevin Alcántara doubled in a run, and Pérez went 2-for-4 with two doubles. But starter Connor Noland allowed five runs (four earned) over 5⅔ innings and the bullpen was tagged for a five-run sixth, turning the early edge into a loss . Knoxville Smokies (Double‑A) June 9 vs Columbus – Won 5–0 Knoxville shut out Columbus behind strong offense and pitching. BJ Murray Jr. delivered a sac fly in the third, Parker Chavers added a two-run double in the sixth, and Pedro Ramirez sparked the attack with a triple and a walk. Starter Michael Arias allowed two hits in four innings, and Zac Leigh, Joe Nahas, and Frankie Scalzo Jr. combined for five hitless innings . June 10 at Columbus – Lost 7–6 Grant Kipp was knocked around in a long second inning and charged with five runs in just 1⅔ innings. Ramirez fought back with a 3-for-4 effort and a solo homer (his third), while Chavers contributed a bases-clearing double and Corey Joyce added an RBI single. Knoxville got within a run late but couldn’t complete the rally . South Bend Cubs (High‑A) June 9 vs Great Lakes – Won 11–2 South Bend exploded for 11 runs on 13 hits, building a 9–0 lead in the first five innings. Edgar Alvarez, Carter Trice, and Ariel Armas each recorded multi-hit games, contributing in a collective onslaught. Starter Brooks Auger allowed five runs (two earned) over five innings and struck out six. June 10 at Fort Wayne – Won 11–9 Facing a 9–7 deficit in the ninth, Carter Trice tied it with a two-run homer—his seventh. Felix Stevens delivered a solo shot in his return from injury. Alvarez went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, and Armas added two doubles, four RBIs, and a steal. Chase Watkins (2⅓ innings) and Johzan Oquendo (1⅓) combined for shutout work to close it out . Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single‑A) June 9 – Off Day No game scheduled for the Pelicans. June 10 vs Hickory – Lost 9–4 Starter Yenrri Rojas yielded five runs (three earned) over five innings, including multiple first-inning setbacks, and reliever Ethan Bell allowed three more. Offensively, Leonel Espinoza went 3-for-5 with an RBI double. Cameron Sisneros reached base four times and drove in two. Eli Lovich made a promising debut with two singles and a run scored. View full article

Image courtesy of Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Iowa Cubs (Triple-A) June 4: Iowa 1, Omaha 0 June 4: Iowa 4, Omaha 0 (Game 2) June 3: Postponed (weather) The Iowa Cubs showcased their pitching prowess by sweeping a doubleheader against the Omaha Storm Chasers, securing two shutout victories. In the opener, right-hander Connor Noland delivered a masterful performance, allowing just one hit over six innings while striking out three and issuing three walks. Michael Fulmer closed the game with a scoreless seventh inning, earning the save. The game's only run came in the sixth inning when Owen Caissie doubled home Christian Franklin. In the nightcap, veteran Kenta Maeda took the mound and pitched five scoreless innings, surrendering only two hits and two walks while striking out three. Reliever Phil Bickford contributed 1⅓ innings of shutout relief to secure the win. Offensively, the I-Cubs erupted in the fifth inning with back-to-back home runs: catcher Caleb Knight launched his first homer of the season, and first baseman Moisés Ballesteros followed with a three-run blast, marking his sixth home run this year. Knoxville Smokies (Double-A) June 3: Smokies 4, Chattanooga 2 June 4: Lookouts 3, Smokies 1 (10 innings) The Knoxville Smokies split their two-game series against the Chattanooga Lookouts. On June 3, BJ Murray Jr. provided the offensive highlight with a clutch eighth-inning grand slam, his tenth home run of the season, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 victory. Starter Jaxon Wiggins pitched 6⅓ innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four. Reivaj Garcia made a notable debut, going 2-for-3 and scoring on Murray's grand slam. The following day, Grant Kipp delivered a dominant performance, striking out a career-high ten batters over six shutout innings, allowing only two hits and one walk. Despite Kipp's efforts, the Smokies fell in extra innings, 3-1, as reliever Sam Thoresen surrendered two unearned runs in the tenth. Offensively, Parker Chavers contributed with a double and a walk, scoring the team's lone run on a single by Casey Opitz, aided by a fielding error. South Bend Cubs (High-A) June 3: South Bend 11, Great Lakes 3 June 4: Postponed (weather) The South Bend Cubs opened their series against the Great Lakes Loons with an emphatic 11-3 victory. The offense was firing on all cylinders, collecting 13 hits and going 7-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Cristian Hernandez and Edgar Alvarez each recorded four-hit games, combining for five RBIs. Carter Trice added his fourth home run of the season, a solo shot in the sixth inning. On the mound, Brooks Caple earned his first High-A win, pitching seven solid innings, allowing three runs on four hits while striking out six. The June 4 game was postponed due to inclement weather and is scheduled to be made up as part of a seven-inning doubleheader on June 5. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A) June 3: Pelicans 5, Kannapolis 1 June 4: Cannon Ballers 3, Pelicans 2 (walk-off) The Myrtle Beach Pelicans split their first two games against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. On June 3, the Pelicans secured a 5-1 win, highlighted by home runs from Matt Halbach and Alexey Lumpuy. Halbach's two-run homer in the fourth inning provided an early lead, while Lumpuy added a solo shot in the sixth. Starter Yenrri Rojas delivered five scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and striking out four. The following night, the Pelicans suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 walk-off loss. Will Frisch started the game, pitching 4⅓ scoreless innings despite issuing five walks. The Pelicans took a 2-0 lead in the fourth inning, with Halbach driving in Leonel Espinoza and Owen Ayers scoring on a fielder's choice. However, the Cannon Ballers rallied late, tying the game with a leadoff homer in the ninth and securing the win with a walk-off single. Reliever Ethan Bell took the loss, allowing two runs on three hits over 1⅔ innings. View full article

Image courtesy of David Durochik/Diamond Images Farm System at a Glance: Iowa Cubs: 0-2 vs. Syracuse | Season: 19-30 Knoxville Smokies: 1-0 vs. Birmingham (1 postponed) | Season: 21-23 South Bend Cubs: 0-2 @ Quad Cities | Season: 11-31 Myrtle Beach Pelicans: 1-1 vs. Augusta (1 postponed) | Season: 18-28 Iowa Cubs The Iowa Cubs faced a challenging doubleheader against the Syracuse Mets on May 28, dropping both games. In Game 1, right-hander Connor Noland delivered a commendable performance, allowing only one earned run over six innings with five strikeouts and no walks. Despite his efforts, the I-Cubs fell 3–2. Catcher Moisés Ballesteros provided a highlight with a towering solo home run in the sixth inning, his fifth of the season. Outfielder Christian Franklin showcased his speed and power with a triple but was left stranded at third. In Game 2, Tommy Romero started and pitched five solid innings, giving up two runs on two hits. Ben Cowles drove in both runs with a two-RBI single in the third inning. Christian Franklin continued his hot streak, going 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. However, the bullpen couldn't hold the lead, and the I-Cubs lost 4–2. Player of the Game: Connor Noland (6 IP, 1 ER, 5 K) Knoxville Smokies After a rainout on May 27, the Knoxville Smokies returned to action on May 28 with a 2–0 victory over the Birmingham Barons. Jaxon Wiggins, the Cubs' 2023 first-round pick, earned his first Double-A win by pitching five shutout innings, allowing just one hit, walking three, and striking out five. A.J. Puckett slammed the door in the final two frames for his seventh save. Offensively, the Smokies struck early with a Corey Joyce RBI double in the first. B.J. Murray Jr. tacked on a sacrifice fly in the sixth, and Pedro Ramirez and Brett Bateman each reached twice. Jaylen Palmer ended the game with a slick double play to preserve the shutout. Player of the Game: Jaxon Wiggins (5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 5 K, W) South Bend Cubs The South Bend Cubs faced the Quad Cities River Bandits in a two-game series. On May 27, they suffered a 10–4 loss. Right-hander Brooks Caple had a rough High-A debut, allowing eight runs (five earned) over 3.2 innings. Jefferson Rojas impressed with two triples and a run scored, while Reginald Preciado hit a solo home run, his second of the season. On May 28, South Bend dropped a 2–1 walk-off loss in 10 innings. Tyler Schlaffer delivered a masterful performance, pitching eight innings of one-hit ball, allowing one unearned run, walking one, and striking out seven. He retired the final 17 batters he faced. Jefferson Rojas continued his hot streak, going 2-for-5 with a double and an RBI. Reginald Preciado went 2-for-4 with a double, extending his hit streak to five games. Player of the Game: Tyler Schlaffer (8 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 8 K) Myrtle Beach Pelicans After a rainout on May 27, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans split a doubleheader against the Augusta GreenJackets on May 28. In Game 1, the Pelicans erupted for 11 runs. Yenrri Rojas started and pitched four shutout innings, allowing three hits, walking one, and striking out four. Jose Escobar went 2-for-3 with a walk, scored three times, and had an RBI. Leonel Espinoza also went 2-for-3, was hit by a pitch, scored three runs, and drove in one. Matt Halbach contributed with a two-run double in the sixth inning. Yahil Melendez drew a bases-loaded walk and was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, collecting two RBIs without a hit. In Game 2, the Pelicans lost 6–2. Will Frisch struggled in the third inning, allowing six runs, including a grand slam. Eriandys Ramon drove in the Pelicans' first run with a single in the second inning. Ty Southisene went 2-for-4 with a double. Player of the Game: Jose Escobar (2-for-3, 3 R, RBI) View full article

Image courtesy of Myrtle Beach Pelicans - Brooks Caple Pictured Kevin Alcántara crushed two home runs, Jose Escobar hit a 10th-inning grand slam, and the Smokies stormed back in their nightcap, but it wasn’t enough to stop another rough stretch down on the farm. Can these explosive performances spark a turnaround? Kevin Alcántara’s two-homer outburst highlighted a big week for Cubs power bats across the system. Andy Garriola launched his first grand slam of the year, Darius Hill and Owen Caissie went deep in tight Smokies and I-Cubs contests, and Escobar delivered the walk-off blow with a grand slam in extra innings for Myrtle Beach. Meanwhile, Jefferson Rojas extended his on-base streak to 21 games, and Brooks Caple continued his breakout with a scoreless gem. Farm System at a Glance: Iowa Cubs: 0-2 @ Columbus | Season: 14-20 Tennessee Smokies: 1-1 @ Biloxi | Season: 18-13 South Bend Cubs: 0-2 vs. Wisconsin | Season: 10-31 Myrtle Beach Pelicans: 1-1 @ Hickory | Season: 16-24 Iowa Cubs The I-Cubs dropped both games in Columbus but saw impressive power from their top bats. On Tuesday, Carlos Pérez launched his sixth home run of the season, while Christian Franklin tripled and scored in a 3-2 loss. Keegan Thompson pitched into the fourth, allowing one run before Michael Fulmer and Ryan Brasier were tagged late. Wednesday was a slugfest the Cubs couldn't outpace, falling 13-5 despite multi-homer fireworks from Alcántara. The 21-year-old blasted two home runs, including a deep shot to left-center that sparked the scoring. Caissie also added his seventh homer with a laser to left—the trio of Alcántara, Caissie, and Pérez combined for all five RBI. Matt Shaw and Ethan Roberts were promoted to the big leagues ahead of Wednesday's contest. Player of the Game: Kevin Alcántara (2 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R) Knoxville Smokies After dropping a tight 4-3 battle on Tuesday night, the Smokies responded with a furious late comeback to split the series. Darius Hill homered early in game one, his second of the year, and Pedro Ramirez added an RBI single. But a trio of late Biloxi long balls off Sam Armstrong and Cayne Ueckert undid the Smokies' 2-0 lead. In Game 2, the Smokies found themselves in another hole early but clawed back thanks to a three-run homer by Casey Opitz and a go-ahead two-run shot from BJ Murray Jr. in the eighth. Corey Joyce delivered the game-tying double in a wild sixth-inning rally. Brad Deppermann and A.J. Puckett held Biloxi quiet over the final frames to lock down an 8-6 win. Player of the Game: Casey Opitz (1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI) South Bend Cubs The Cubs nearly pulled off their comeback of the year Tuesday, rallying from a 6-0 deficit with a six-run fifth capped by Andy Garriola's grand slam — his first of the season and team-leading seventh homer. Cristian Hernandez and Brian Kalmer drove in runs during the surge, while Jefferson Rojas extended his on-base streak to 20 games. But rain had the final say, washing out South Bend's chances in a 7-6 loss. Wednesday brought more damp weather and another close contest. Edgar Alvarez mashed a solo homer to right for the Cubs' only run. Evan Aschenbeck turned in his second straight quality start, allowing just one earned run across six innings, but a costly outfield miscue opened the door for a decisive Wisconsin rally. Rojas reached base again, pushing his streak to 21, and Garriola extended his hit streak to 11 games. Player of the Game: Andy Garriola (GS HR, 4 RBI) Myrtle Beach Pelicans Brooks Caple spun the best outing of his pro career Tuesday, throwing seven shutout innings with six strikeouts, but the bullpen faltered in a 2-1 loss. The Pelicans left 13 runners on base and went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position despite multi-hit efforts from Jose Escobar and Yahil Melendez. A wild pitch and bases-loaded walk doomed Yoendris Gonzalez in the eighth. Wednesday's matinee saw the Pelicans return the favor. Down two in the 10th, Jose Escobar crushed a grand slam to right — his second homer of the year — to seal a 10-7 win. Escobar finished with four RBI, while Angel Cepeda drove in three and stole his 10th base. Yenrri Rojas, newly off the IL, steadied the game with four scoreless relief innings, earning the win. Player of the Game: Jose Escobar (2-for-5, HR, 4 RBI) View full article

Image courtesy of © MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK Matt Shaw delivered across both games for Iowa, Jefferson Rojas stretched his on-base streak to 16, and Jaylen Palmer’s grand slam wasn’t enough to stop a wild extra-inning loss in Knoxville. Myrtle Beach split a doubleheader behind another strong start from Brooks Caple, while South Bend suffered two more late-inning collapses despite standout performances from Rojas and Andy Garriola. Can the Cubs’ top performers help turn the tide for affiliates stuck in a skid? Farm System at a Glance: Iowa Cubs: 1-2 vs. St. Paul | Season: 14-18 Knoxville Smokies: 1-1 vs. Rome | Season: 17-12 South Bend Cubs: 0-2 @ Lansing | Season: 9-26 Myrtle Beach Pelicans: 1-1 @ Lynchburg | Season: 12-18 Iowa Cubs (Triple-A) May 13: L 6-4 | May 14: L 10-5 vs. St. Paul Jordan Wicks continued his rehab progression Tuesday with five innings of three-run ball, striking out seven along the way. He exited with the game tied, and the bullpen couldn’t hold it from there. Matt Shaw homered and Carlos Pérez tripled as Iowa clawed back, but it wasn’t enough in a 6–4 loss. The following day, the bats broke out early. Jonathon Long drove in five runs, Shaw reached four times, and McGuire notched a two-RBI double as part of a five-run fourth. But the bullpen again gave up eight runs over the final five innings in a 10–5 loss. Knoxville Smokies (Double-A) May 13: W 9-7 (10 inn.) | May 14: L 4-3 (10 inn.) vs. Rome Jaylen Palmer’s grand slam set the tone in Tuesday’s see-saw affair. BJ Murray Jr. and Pedro Ramirez had five hits between them, and Corey Joyce added three more. After Rome tied the game in the ninth, Murray delivered the walk-off knock in extras. Wednesday brought more late-inning tension. Knoxeville trailed early, tied it in the ninth on a Brett Bateman RBI single, but Rome scratched across a run in the tenth to even the series. Armstrong started and kept it close over five innings. South Bend Cubs (High-A) May 13: L 7-6 (10 inn.) | May 14: L 4-1 @ Lansing The Cubs let a lead slip away Tuesday night despite Jefferson Rojas extending his on-base streak to 14 games and Cristian Hernandez keeping his own hit streak alive. Andy Garriola doubled in a run, and Miguel Pabon added two more on a deep drive. South Bend went ahead in the seventh behind a Preciado double but lost it in extras after giving up three straight two-strike hits in the ninth. Wednesday’s day game followed a familiar script. Rojas doubled twice and scored on a Garriola RBI knock in the fourth. Evan Aschenbeck tossed six shutout innings, but Lansing jumped on the bullpen for four runs in the seventh. Despite another quality start and a continued hit streak for Hernandez, South Bend dropped its 16th road game of the season. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A) May 14 DH Game 1: W 3-2 | Game 2: L 3-2 (8 inn.) @ Lynchburg Brooks Caple returned from the IL in dominant fashion, firing five strong innings with four strikeouts. Jose Escobar ripped a go-ahead two-run single in the fifth, and Leonel Espinoza brought home the game-winner in the seventh. Game two featured another clutch knock from Espinoza, this time a game-tying RBI single in the sixth. Myrtle Beach had the go-ahead run in scoring position in extras but couldn’t cash in. Lynchburg walked it off in the bottom of the eighth. View full article

Image courtesy of MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE/USA TODAY NETWORK Farm System at a Glance: Iowa Cubs: 0-2 vs. Toledo | Season: 13-17 Tennessee Smokies: 1-1 @ Chattanooga | Season: 17-11 South Bend Cubs: 0-2 vs. Fort Wayne | Season: 7-22 Myrtle Beach Pelicans: 1-1 vs. Delmarva | Season: 11-17 Iowa Cubs (Triple-A) May 6: L 5-4 (10 inn.) @ Toledo May 7: L 2-1 @ Toledo The I-Cubs dropped a pair of tightly contested road games despite standout moments from top prospects. On May 6, Owen Caissie launched his fifth home run of the season, while Matt Shaw drove in the go-ahead run in the sixth. Reese McGuire and Ben Cowles continued to find ways to get on base, and Jonathon Long tied things in the ninth with a solo blast before a walk-off HBP in extras ended it. On Wednesday, Jordan Wicks took the mound for his 2025 Triple-A debut, tossing five scoreless innings and earning Player of the Game honors. James Triantos tied the game in the ninth with a clutch RBI single, and Carlos Pérez showed off the arm by cutting down a runner at second. Still, the bullpen couldn’t hold in the ninth as Toledo walked it off again. Tennessee Smokies (Double-A) May 6: W 6-3 @ Chattanooga May 7: L 2-1 @ Chattanooga Ethan Hearn provided the big swing in Tuesday’s win, crushing a three-run homer to right center for his first of the season. That capped off a six-run outburst for the Smokies, with Haydn McGeary also continuing to rake with multiple hits across both games. In Wednesday’s matinee, Tennessee couldn’t crack Chattanooga’s pitching. Despite strong bullpen work and another scoreless frame from Ben Leeper, the bats came up short, stranding the tying run on base in the ninth. South Bend Cubs (High-A) May 6: L 14-9 vs. Fort Wayne May 7: L 8-4 vs. Fort Wayne A nine-run first inning doomed South Bend in Tuesday’s series opener, but the offense fought back with 13 hits, including a bases-clearing double from Ivan Brethowr. Jefferson Rojas extended his hit streak to seven games with a triple and now owns a 10-game on-base streak. Edgar Alvarez reached base five times and kept rolling into Game 2. On Wednesday, Kohl Franklin returned to the mound for the first time in over a year and worked two grinding innings. Alvarez delivered again, launching his first home run at Four Winds Field—a no-doubt shot to right-center. Reggie Preciado and Rojas extended their respective on-base streaks to 11 and 10 games, but an early deficit proved too much for the Cubs to overcome. Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Single-A) May 6: W 3-1 vs. Delmarva May 7: L 6-3 (Game 2 of DH) vs. Delmarva Brooks Caple was dominant in Game 1, tossing five shutout innings with a career-high six strikeouts. Owen Ayers delivered the big hit—a two-run single in the first—and Ty Southisene made an impact in his Pelicans debut, reaching twice and scoring a run. Angel Cepeda opened Game 1 on May 6 with a leadoff walk and his seventh stolen base of the season, while Leonel Espinoza reached base multiple times again. Game 2 looked promising early behind a solid outing from Hayden Frank and a brief 1-0 lead. But Myrtle Beach collapsed in the eighth and ninth, issuing five walks, hitting three batters, and allowing five runs across the final two frames. Overall, the defense felt loose and uncoordinated into the final frames. Having said all that, The Pelican’s Bat Dog, as always, was on point. Be sure to check back later this week as we continue to track standout performances from the Cubs' rising talent across the farm. View full article

April is in the books, and while the Cubs’ minor-league affiliates had a mixed month in the standings, the performances from key prospects delivered plenty of reason for optimism. This month’s top hitter didn’t just stand out — he set the tone from start to finish. Honorable Mentions Jefferson Rojas (High-A South Bend) – 127 wRC+, .344 on-base percentage, 1 home run Rojas continues to make mature swing decisions and handle High-A arms with poise. While the slugging numbers weren’t eye-popping, his contact and zone discipline once again laid the foundation for a productive April. Owen Caissie (Triple-A Iowa) – 133 wRC+, 6 doubles, 3 home runs Returning to Iowa, Caissie showed why he remains one of the most tantalizing power bats in the system. He homered off a big-league rehabber, worked walks, and improved his approach against lefties as the month progressed. James Triantos (Double-A Knoxville) – 125 wRC+, 4 doubles, 2 home runs, 9.5% strikeout rate Triantos remains one of the toughest outs in the system and added a bit more thump in April. He may not have the loudest box scores, but his balance and bat control make him one of the steadiest performers across all levels. North Side Baseball's Cubs Minor League Hitter of the Month: Moisés Ballesteros (Triple-A Iowa Cubs) 39 hits | 10 extra-base hits | 16 RBIs | .414 batting average | .475 on-base percentage | .586 slugging percentage | 204 wRC+ | 12 strikeouts | 10 walks You don’t see many 21-year-olds hit .414 in Triple-A. Actually, you barely see anyone do that. Ballesteros did — for a full month. Ballesteros didn’t simply have a good April — he strung together dominant game after dominant game, showing command of the strike zone, comfort with velocity, and maturity in his approach that’s rare even for much older players at Triple-A. He didn’t wait to get hot either. On April 8, Ballesteros broke out with a 4-for-6 performance that included a double, a triple, two runs scored, and even a stolen base. He was named Player of the Game for that effort and didn’t let off the gas. By mid-month, he’d already collected multiple multi-hit games. He was again honored on April 16 and April 18 — each time stepping up in the middle of Iowa’s lineup and delivering timely, professional at-bats. But what made Ballesteros’ April special wasn’t the peaks — it was the absence of valleys. He compiled a 16-game hitting streak that spanned the heart of the month, reaching base in 19 of 24 total games and often doing it with authority. When the weather warmed, so did the contact. Ballesteros closed April with one of the most dominant stretches of his career: a 7-for-10 run with three walks and three RBIs across April 26–27, followed by another multi-hit performance and Player of the Game nod on April 29. And just for good measure, he left the month with a parting shot: his fourth home run of the year, hammered on April 30. Those who’ve followed Ballesteros’ rise through the system know the bat has always been the carrying tool — but this wasn’t just about raw skill. This was a clinic in approach. He struck out only 12 times all month while walking 10. His 204 wRC+ wasn’t inflated by luck or a brief stretch of power — it was the byproduct of plate discipline, barrel control, and swing decisions that would look at home in a big-league box score. The numbers are loud, but the rhythm of his month was even louder. From early April through its final day, Ballesteros was the most consistent threat in the Cubs’ entire system. April belonged to Mo. View full article

Image courtesy of © Cody Scanlan/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Cubs' farm system wrapped a strong showing across affiliates this week, with South Bend halting a long losing streak, the Smokies' offense continuing to click, and a few Iowa bats finally breaking through. Cristian Hernandez continued his surge, Carter Trice stayed scorching, and Tennessee used another late push to notch a comeback win. Farm System at a Glance: Iowa Cubs (AAA): 1–3 vs. Buffalo Knoxville Smokies (AA): 2–1 vs. Rocket City South Bend Cubs (High-A): 1–1 vs. Cedar Rapids Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Low-A): 0–2 vs. Carolina Triple-A: Iowa Cubs (7–9) Opponent: Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays affiliate) Series Record: 1–3 April 29: Win, 9–1 The I-Cubs erupted for eight runs in the fifth inning and cruised to a much-needed win over Buffalo. Matt Shaw tallied three hits and scored twice, while Moisés Ballesteros homered and drove in three. Owen Caissie stayed hot with a triple and a double, and Jonathon Long added a two-run shot in the fifth to cap the rally. Iowa had five extra-base hits in the frame. April 30: Loss, 10–8 Despite a furious comeback, Iowa fell short in a high-scoring matinee. Ballesteros homered in back-to-back innings, and Caissie and Long combined for three extra-base hits and four RBI, but the bullpen couldn’t contain Buffalo’s early outburst. Peter Solomon was tagged for five runs in 1 and 1/3 innings, and the I-Cubs never quite dug out. Top Performers: Moisés Ballesteros (C): 3-for-5, 2 HR (4), 3 RBI, 2 R on Apr 30 Owen Caissie (RF): 3 XBH, 3 RBI over two games Matt Shaw (3B): 4-for-7, 2B, 3 R Double-A: Knoxville Smokies (11–8) Opponent: Rocket City Trash Pandas (Angels affiliate) Series Record: 2–1 April 29: Win, 9–6 Jaylen Palmer and Hayden Cantrelle led a late-inning outburst as the Smokies pulled away in the eighth. BJ Murray Jr. launched his sixth homer of the season, and Cantrelle doubled twice and stole a base. Pablo Aliendo added an RBI double, and Knoxville plated four runs in the bottom of the eighth to break a tie. April 30: Win, 5–3 Tennessee rallied late again, this time scoring four in the seventh to erase a 2–1 deficit. Aliendo tied it with a single, Cantrelle followed with another RBI knock, and a wild pitch and balk tacked on two more. Palmer reached twice and scored. Zac Leigh and A.J. Puckett combined to finish the final two innings. Top Performers: Hayden Cantrelle (SS): 4-for-6, 2B (3), 3 RBI, 2 BB, SB Pablo Aliendo (C): 3-for-7, 2 RBI, R Jaylen Palmer (RF): 2-for-5, 2 BB, SB, 2 R High-A: South Bend Cubs (7–17) Opponent: Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins affiliate) Series Record: 1–1 April 29: Loss, 10–4 The Cubs clawed back from a 4–0 hole with a four-run fourth, highlighted by Jefferson Rojas’s first homer of the season and Reggie Preciado’s two-run single. Preciado had three hits to extend his on-base streak to eight games. But the bullpen faltered late, allowing six runs between the fifth and seventh. April 30: Win, 4–3 Carter Trice lifted South Bend with a solo homer in the eighth, his third of the season. Rojas and Garriola also drove in early runs as the Cubs took an early 2–0 lead. Evan Aschenbeck made his first Midwest League start and worked four scoreless innings before the game tightened late. Johzan Oquendo earned the win in relief. Top Performers: Carter Trice (1B): HR (3), 2 BB, 2 R over two games Reggie Preciado (LF): 4-for-8, 2 RBI, SB Jefferson Rojas (2B): 2-for-6, HR (1), 3 RBI Low-A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans (8–16) Opponent: Carolina MudCats (Brewers affiliate) Series Record: 0–2 April 29: Loss, 8–6 The Pelicans jumped out to a 2–0 lead behind Angel Cepeda’s second homer of the year but couldn’t hold it. Hayden Frank allowed six earned over four innings, and Myrtle Beach trailed 7–2 entering the sixth. A three-run rally sparked by hits from Ayers, Lumpuy, and Olivo pulled them close, but they stranded two in the ninth. April 30: Loss, 7–6 (11 innings) Myrtle Beach took a 6–3 lead in the top of the 11th after Christian Olivo’s two-run double, but a meltdown in the bottom half cost them the game. Brayden Spears couldn’t record an out and allowed four runs (two earned). Will Frisch posted his best start of the season with 4 and 2/3 innings of one-run ball. Cepeda added his third homer. Top Performers: Christian Olivo (CF): 3-for-9, 2B, 3 RBI, BB Angel Cepeda (SS): 3-for-9, 2B, HR (3), 3 R Will Frisch (SP): 4.2 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 4 BB, 5 K View full article

It was a breakout stretch across the Cubs’ farm system: Cristian Hernandez launched a moonshot, Owen Caissie kept slugging, and Pablo Aliendo nearly willed Knoxville to a walk-off. While South Bend ended its losing streak in emphatic fashion, Myrtle Beach staged a wild comeback, while Cade Horton continued to show why he’s the system’s premier arm. From clutch bombs to lights-out bullpen work, the next wave of Cubs talent is making noise. Image courtesy of © Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports It was a breakout stretch across the Cubs’ farm system: Cristian Hernandez launched a moonshot, Owen Caissie kept slugging, and Pablo Aliendo nearly willed Knoxville to a walk-off. While South Bend ended its losing streak in emphatic fashion, Myrtle Beach staged a wild comeback, while Cade Horton continued to show why he’s the system’s premier arm. From clutch bombs to lights-out bullpen work, the next wave of Cubs talent is making noise. Farm System at a Glance: Iowa Cubs (AAA): 0–3 vs. Louisville Knoxville Smokies (AA): 1–1 vs. Pensacola South Bend Cubs (High-A): 3–0 vs. Beloit Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Low-A): 0–1 vs. Kannapolis Triple-A: Iowa Cubs (6–6) Opponent: Louisville Bats (Cincinnati Reds affiliate) Series Record: 0–2 April 22: Loss, 8–4 The I-Cubs jumped ahead early behind solo home runs from Owen Caissie and Kevin Alcántara, with Reese McGuire’s sac fly tacking on another. Javier Assad turned in a steady start, allowing two earned runs over four innings with four strikeouts. Despite drawing 10 walks, Iowa’s offense couldn’t capitalize late, going 1-for-10 with runners in scoring position and leaving 11 runners on base. A rough eighth inning saw the game slip away as Louisville capitalized on free passes and miscues. April 23: Loss, 1–0 (11 innings) A day later, pitching ruled as Iowa dropped a heartbreaker in extras. Cade Horton dazzled in his second Triple-A start (4 IP, 0 R) earning him player of the game. The bullpen held Louisville scoreless through 10, but the bats couldn’t break through despite chances in the 10th and 11th. Will Benson’s RBI single in the bottom of the 11th walked it off for Louisville. Top Performers: Cade Horton (SP, Apr 23): 4.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K Owen Caissie (RF, Apr 22): HR (4), RBI, BB Kevin Alcántara (CF, Apr 22): HR (2), RBI Moisés Ballesteros (C, Apr 23): 2-for-5 – One of the few consistent bats over both games Next game: Thursday, April 24, 2025 @ Louisville Bats Double-A: Knoxville Smokies (9–7) Opponent: Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Miami Marlins affiliate) Series Record: 1–1 April 22: Win, 2–1 Knoxville’s bullpen delivered five shutout innings, and Jaylen Palmer’s eighth-inning RBI groundout pushed the Smokies to a hard-fought win in Pensacola. Hayden Cantrelle reached base three times and swiped two bags, while Parker Chavers notched two hits and played a role in both scoring innings. The Smokies relied on four relievers to preserve the one-run margin, with Zac Leigh and Wil Jensen slamming the door in the final two frames. Top Performers: Hayden Cantrelle (SS): 1-for-2, 2 BB, RBI, 2 SB Parker Chavers (LF): 2-for-3, BB Zac Leigh (RP): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 K, 0.00 ERA April 23: Loss, 4–3 (10 innings) Pablo Aliendo’s three-run homer tied the game in the ninth, but Knoxville fell 4–3 in extras. The Smokies struck out 17 times and were held scoreless through eight before the late rally. Will Sanders tossed five scoreless innings in his Double-A debut, but a wild pitch and error in the eighth gave Pensacola the edge. Top Performers: Pablo Aliendo (C): 1-for-5, HR (4), 3 RBI – Tied the game with one swing in the ninth Will Sanders (SP): 5.0 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 4 K – Strong debut for the Cubs' 2023 draft pick Jordan Nwogu (RF): 2-for-3, BB, SB – Reached base three times Jaylen Palmer (CF): 1-for-4, SB (5), R – Sparkplug at the top, added pressure on the bases Next Game: April 24 vs. Pensacola – Series continues High-A: South Bend Cubs (6–11) Opponent: Beloit Sky Carp (Miami Marlins affiliate) Series Record: 3–0 April 22: Win, 8–5 South Bend returned to Four Winds Field and promptly snapped its eight-game losing streak, using a six-run fifth inning to take control in an 8–5 victory over Beloit. Carter Trice’s first home run at home—a three-run shot—was the exclamation point on the rally. Tyler Schlaffer struck out seven and allowed three hits over 4 and 2/3 innings, with a third-inning homer his only blemish. He faced the minimum in three of four full frames. Ivan Brethowr’s two-run single in the third extended his hit streak to five and on-base streak to 13 games. Cristian Hernandez gave South Bend the lead with a two-run double in the fifth, setting the stage for Trice’s towering blast. Chase Watkins, Kenyi Perez, and Vince Reilly closed it out from the bullpen, combining for 4 and 1/3 innings of two-run ball with six strikeouts. Full game highlights here. Top Performers: Cristian Hernandez (SS): 2-for-5, 2B (5), 2 RBI, 2 R Carter Trice (1B): 1-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI, BB – Extended hit streak to 7 games Ivan Brethowr (RF): 1-for-2, 2 BB, 2 RBI Tyler Schlaffer (SP): 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 7 K – Career-high 20 Ks in three starts April 23: Win, 8–5 South Bend stayed hot at home, plating six runs in the first inning and holding off Beloit late to win their second straight. Ariel Armas crushed a three-run homer to cap a furious opening frame that included back-to-back doubles from Carter Trice and Reivaj Garcia. Cristian Hernandez added a 423 ft. solo shot in the second, and Ivan Brethowr homered in the fourth to extend the lead to 8–3. Luis Rujano started and worked into the fourth before the bullpen held firm behind Sam Thoresen, Marino Santy, and Johzan Oquendo. Carter Trice stayed hot with two more doubles and a walk, while Ariel Armas reached twice and drove in three to pace the offense. Top Performers: Ariel Armas (C): 1-for-4, HR (2), 3 RBI Carter Trice (1B): 2-for-3, 2 2B (4), RBI, BB Reivaj Garcia (2B): 2-for-3, 2B (2), HBP, 2 RBI – Doubled and scored in the six-run first Cristian Hernandez (SS): 1-for-4, HR (2) – Added a solo blast to his highlight reel Next Game: April 24 vs. Beloit – Scheduled to continue series Low-A: Myrtle Beach Pelicans (4–3) Opponent: Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox affiliate) Series Record: 0–1 April 22: Loss, 8–6 (12 innings) The Pelicans trailed 6–0 entering the ninth but rallied to tie the game with six runs, highlighted by Cole Mathis’s solo homer and Christian Olivo’s game-tying three-run blast. Hayden Frank allowed six runs over five innings with a career-high six strikeouts, while Charlie Hurley and Brayden Risedorph combined for five scoreless frames to push it to extras. Myrtle Beach stranded the tying run in the 12th after Kannapolis pulled ahead with a double and triple, handing the Birds their second extra-inning loss of the year. Top Performers: Christian Olivo (LF): 1-for-6, HR (1), 3 RBI – Game-tying blast in the ninth Cameron Sisneros (DH): 3-for-5, R – Led the team with three hits Charlie Hurley (RP): 3.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 6 K – Career-high strikeout night April 23: Postponed – Doubleheader Scheduled Wednesday’s game was postponed due to rain and will be made up as part of a seven-inning doubleheader on Thursday, April 24. Next Game: Game 1 is scheduled to begin at 5:05 PM EDT at Pelicans Ballpark. View full article

Andy Garriola caught fire in West Michigan, homering four times in six games to earn Midwest League Player of the Week honors. The 25-year-old outfielder is the second South Bend Cub in as many weeks to take home the award, following Cristian Hernández — and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Image courtesy of © MICHAEL CLUBB/SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Andy Garriola caught fire in West Michigan, homering four times in six games to earn Midwest League Player of the Week honors. The 25-year-old outfielder is the second South Bend Cub in as many weeks to take home the award, following Cristian Hernández — and he's showing no signs of slowing down. Despite a challenging outing against the Whitecaps, the South Bend Cubs didn’t lack for fireworks in West Michigan last week — one bat in particular caught fire. Andy Garriola was named the Midwest League Player of the Week after a dominant six-game series that saw him blast four home runs, including a stretch of three straight games with a homer over the weekend. Garriola becomes the second South Bend Cub in as many weeks to earn the honor, following Christian Hernández, who was recognized the week prior for his scorching stretch at the plate. The back-to-back selections mark a rare feat and highlight the early-season firepower coming out of the South Bend lineup. In his last five games, Garriola is 7-for-20 with 8 RBI, anchoring the middle of the South Bend lineup and supplying critical power in a road set where runs often came at a premium. His most dramatic moment? A towering shot out to right on Saturday night that turned a late deficit into a tied game. Through his first 13 games of the season, Garriola has launched four home runs, driving in nine while slugging .500 with an .783 OPS. The right-handed slugger has long shown raw power, and though his overall numbers are still climbing, his recent hot streak suggests the bat speed and damage potential remain very real for the middle of the SB Cubs lineup. Drafted in the 17th round out of Old Dominion in 2022, Garriola broke out last year with 21 home runs across two levels (Myrtle Beach and South Bend). Now at 25, he’s bringing veteran thump to a younger South Bend roster and showing that his bat still demands attention in a system stacked with high-upside infielders. As the Cubs return home for a six-game set against Beloit, Garriola will look to stay hot at the friendly confines of Four Winds Field. First pitch Tuesday is set for 7:05 PM. View full article