Cubs Minor League Wrap: The Jaguar strikes twice

GOODYEAR, ARIZONA - MARCH 16, 2026: Kevin Alcántara #13 of the Chicago Cubs runs out an RBI double during the fifth inning of a spring training game against the Cleveland Guardians at Goodyear Ballpark on March 16, 2026 in Goodyear, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images) | Diamond Images/Getty Images

South Bend right-hander Brooks Caple was named Midwest League Pitcher of the Week.

The Cubs signed left-hander Ty Blach and right-hander Paul Campbell assigned both to Triple-A Iowa.

Catcher Casey Opitz was activated by Iowa.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs sunk the Columbus Clippers (Guardians), 8-1.

Connor Noland gave up a run in the first base on a disengagement violation. Other than that, he was pretty strong. Noland gave up just one run on five hits over five innings. He struck out six and walked no one.

Corbin Martin tossed one scoreless inning, Yacksel Ríos threw two and Zac Leigh tossed a scoreless ninth to close out the game.

Center fielder Kevin Alcántara hit two home runs tonight. The first one came in the third inning with the bases empty. The second one was a three-run blast in the fifth. It was The Jaguar’s sixth and seventh home runs on the season. He went 2 for 5.

Third baseman Pedro Ramirez was 2 for 5 with a double and a two-run single in the fifth. He scored on Alcántara’s second home run.

One paw up for Alcántara. This one went 405 feet.

The Jaguar’s second home run went 387 feet.

Knoxville Smokies

The Knoxville Smokies were pulled into the water by the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (Marlins), 5-1.

Tyler Schlaffer started and took the loss. Schlaffer gave up four runs on two hits over just two innings. Both hits were home runs—a three-run blast in the first and a solo shot in the second. Schlaffer walked three and struck out two.

Left fielder Jordan Nwogu went 2 for 3 with an RBI single. He also stole two bases.

Knoxville had just four hits, all singles, in this game.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs speared the Beloit Sky Carp (Marlins), 5-1.

Brooks Caple picked up right where he left off as Midwest League Pitcher of the Week. Tonight he surrendered just one run on two hits over 5.2 innings. He struck out nine and walked no one.

Here are the nine strikeouts.

Alfredo Romero did not allow a run or a hit over the final three innings to pick up the save. Romero did walk two while striking out three.

Catcher Owen Ayers continues to rip the cover off the ball on this young season. Tonight Ayers was 2 for 4 with a double and a two-run home run in the bottom of the first inning. Ayers scored twice.

Right fielder Kade Snell was 2 for 3 and was hit by a pitch. He scored once.

Center fielder Kane Kepley went o for 1 with two walks and was hit by a pitch.

Shortstop Christian Olivo was 2 for 4.

Ayers’ first home run of the year.

Snell scored a run the hard way.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans defused the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers (White Sox), 4-0.

Starter Hayden Frank threw four innings and surrendered two hits. He struck out three and walked one.

Mason McGwire threw the middle three innings and got the win because Frank didn’t go five. McGwire had a terrific outing, giving up just one hit. McGwire struck out five and walked no one.

Jordan Henriquez pitched the final two innings in a non-save situation. He allowed three hits. Henriquez struck out three and walked no one.

First baseman Cole Mathis connected on a three-run home run in the third inning. It was his fourth of the season already. Mathis went 1 for 4.

Shortstop Ty Southisene was 2 for 4 with one run scored.

Catcher Logan Poteet was 2 for 4.

DH Jose Escobar was 2 for 3 with a walk.

The Mathis home run.