Cubs Minor League Wrap: Pelicans Move to 4-0

Knoxville Smokies blast Rocket City, while South Bend falls to Peoria

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist-style painting depicting a fragmented baseball game, with sharp geometric shapes in the team colors of the Cubs' minor league affiliates, conveying the complex and multifaceted nature of player development in the minor leagues.The Cubs' minor league system showcases both promise and challenges as the organization works to develop its next generation of talent.Knoxville Today

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans continued their hot start to the season, improving to 4-0 with a 5-1 win over the Columbia Fireflies. Meanwhile, the Iowa Cubs fell 5-1 to the Nashville Sounds, and the South Bend Cubs were routed 10-1 by the Peoria Chiefs.

Why it matters

The strong start by the Pelicans is an encouraging sign for the Cubs' minor league system, as the team looks to develop talent and build for the future. The losses by Iowa and South Bend, however, highlight the challenges the organization faces in getting its top prospects ready for the majors.

The details

In the Pelicans' win, starter Victor Zarraga allowed just one run over three innings, while Mason McGwire and Riely Hunsaker combined for five scoreless innings of relief. Offensively, left fielder Eli Lovich went 2-for-3 with an RBI, and shortstop Ty Southisene had two hits and a stolen base. For Iowa, right fielder Kevin Alcántara homered for the third straight game, but the team managed just three hits in the loss. South Bend starter Koen Moreno was roughed up for seven runs in just two-thirds of an inning.

  • The Pelicans are now 4-0 to start the season.
  • The loss dropped Iowa's record to 1-3 on the year.
  • South Bend's record fell to 0-1 with the blowout defeat.

The players

Kevin Alcántara

Right fielder for the Iowa Cubs who hit his fifth home run of the season.

Ty Southisene

Shortstop for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans who had two hits and a stolen base in the win.

Koen Moreno

Starting pitcher for the South Bend Cubs who was knocked out in the first inning after allowing seven runs.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Cubs' minor league affiliates will look to bounce back in their next games, as the organization continues to evaluate its top prospects and work towards building a contending major league team.

The takeaway

The mixed results from the Cubs' minor league teams highlight the challenges and opportunities facing the organization as it works to develop its next generation of talent. While the Pelicans' hot start is a positive sign, the struggles of Iowa and South Bend underscore the need for consistent player development across the system.