Pelicans Blast Past Cannon Ballers in Dominant Shutout Victory

Cubs minor league affiliates see strong offensive and pitching performances across the board

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:06am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball game broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in vibrant colors, capturing the energy and action of the game.The Pelicans' offensive firepower and pitching dominance deconstruct the Cannon Ballers in a lopsided shutout victory.Beloit Today

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans, the Low-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, cruised to a 6-0 shutout victory over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers. The Pelicans were led by standout performances from first baseman Cole Mathis, who hit his seventh home run of the season, and right fielder Josiah Hartshorn, who launched a two-run shot in the first inning. On the mound, three Pelicans pitchers combined to hold Kannapolis to just five hits.

Why it matters

This win continues a strong start to the season for the Pelicans, who are looking to develop top Cubs prospects and build momentum in the early going. The offensive outburst and dominant pitching showcase the depth of talent in the Cubs' minor league system, which will be crucial for the big league club's future success.

The details

Pelicans starter Victor Zarraga tossed four solid innings, allowing just three hits, while Ben Johnson and Jackson Brockett combined for five innings of one-hit relief. On offense, Hartshorn, Mathis, and catcher Logan Poteet led the way with key run-scoring hits. Mathis' seventh home run of the year leads all of Low-A baseball.

  • The Pelicans took an early lead in the bottom of the first inning with Hartshorn's two-run home run.
  • Mathis extended the Pelicans' advantage with a solo home run in the fifth inning, his seventh of the season.
  • Poteet drove in another run for the Pelicans with an RBI single in the fourth inning.

The players

Cole Mathis

The Pelicans' first baseman, who leads all of Low-A baseball with seven home runs so far this season.

Josiah Hartshorn

The Pelicans' right fielder, who hit a two-run home run in the first inning to give his team an early lead.

Logan Poteet

The Pelicans' catcher, who drove in a run with an RBI single in the fourth inning.

Victor Zarraga

The Pelicans' starting pitcher, who tossed four solid innings and allowed just three hits.

Ben Johnson

The Pelicans' relief pitcher, who earned the win after throwing three innings of one-hit ball.

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What they’re saying

“Mathis refuses to cool off. His seventh home run of the year already leads all of Low-A baseball.”

— Josh Timmers, Author

What’s next

The Pelicans will look to build on this dominant performance as they continue their series against the Cannon Ballers, with the next game scheduled for tomorrow evening.

The takeaway

This game showcases the depth of talent in the Cubs' minor league system, with standout offensive and pitching performances from a variety of players. The Pelicans' success will be crucial for the future of the big league club, as they continue to develop top prospects and build momentum in the early part of the season.