Iowa Cubs Triumph Over Indianapolis in High-Scoring 13-7 Showdown

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JUNE 5: Kevin Alcántara #13 of the Chicago Cubs bats in a game against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field on June 5, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Matt Dirksen/Chicago Cubs/Getty Images) | Getty Images Catcher Owen Ayers earned the Southern League Player of the Week honor, while Outfielder Josiah Hartshorn received the same accolade in the Midwest League. The Cubs also made a trade, bringing right-handed pitcher Yosver Zulueta over from the Mariners for cash, adding him to Triple-A Iowa. Meanwhile, Ryan Jensen and Zac Leigh were reassigned from Triple-A Iowa to rookie ball with the ACL Cubs, likely to enhance their development in the Cubs' pitch lab in Mesa.

The Iowa Cubs secured a decisive 13-7 victory against the Indianapolis Pirates. Starting pitcher Jordan Wicks struggled, yielding six runs on nine hits in just three innings, though he did strike out four batters without issuing any walks. Tyler Beede stepped in for two innings of relief, securing the win by keeping the Pirates off the scoreboard while striking out three and allowing only one walk.

Kevin Alcántara, the standout left fielder, had a remarkable game, hitting a solo home run in the third inning—his 16th of the season. Alcántara finished the night with a perfect 3-for-3 at the plate, which included a double, two walks, and a stolen base. He crossed home plate three times and drove in two runs. Designated hitter Christian Bethancourt also shone, hitting a two-run double and his sixth home run of the season, finishing 3-for-4 with four RBIs.

Other notable performances came from center fielder Brett Bateman, who went 2-for-5 with a stolen base and two runs scored, and second baseman James Triantos, who matched Bateman's stats. First baseman Jonathon Long also contributed with a two-run double and scored twice.

In another matchup, the Knoxville Smokies fell to the Chattanooga Lookouts, 5-3, tying both teams at the top of their division. On the mound, Connor Schultz absorbed the loss despite striking out six batters. Alex Ramírez hit a solo homer to bring his season total to eight, while third baseman Jefferson Rojas and catcher Ariel Armas also made notable contributions.

Meanwhile, the South Bend Cubs edged the Ft. Wayne TinCaps, 4-3, thanks to a solid performance from starter Kevin Valdez and a stellar relief outing from Ben Johnson. Finally, the Myrtle Beach Pelicans triumphed over the Delmarva Shorebirds, 12-4, with Braylon Myers throwing four scoreless innings to kick off the game.