The Chicago Cubs’ minor league affiliates delivered a full slate of action on May 15, with the Iowa Cubs stealing the show in a dramatic doubleheader sweep over the St. Paul Saints.
From walk-off heroics to breakout performances and late-inning comebacks, here’s how each affiliate fared across the system.
Iowa Cubs: Doubleheader Drama in Des Moines
It was a day to remember at Principal Park as the Iowa Cubs swept both games of their doubleheader against the St. Paul Saints , winning 8-2 and 8-7 in eight innings .
Game One: Power Hitters Shine
In the opener, starter Connor Noland picked up his fourth win of the season after delivering a strong six-inning performance. He allowed just two runs on six hits while striking out eight batters.
At the plate, James Triantos led the offensive charge with a three-run double in the first inning and an RBI single later in the fourth — finishing with four RBIs on the game. Catcher Carlos Pérez also made his presence felt, going 3-for-4 with a solo homer, two doubles, two RBIs, and two runs scored.
Not to be forgotten, Owen Caissie stole home in a heads-up play — one of just a few he’s attempted all season.
Game Two: Wild Comeback Ends With Walk-Off Magic
Game two didn’t start well for Iowa. Starter Keegan Thompson struggled early, giving up four runs in just 2+ innings. But the bats stayed patient.
Down 5-1 entering the seventh, the I-Cubs launched a furious rally. A key two-run homer from Reese McGuire cut the deficit to one, and with two outs in the bottom of the eighth, Matt Shaw hit a dramatic, two-run walk-off homer — his second of the night.
Shaw wasn’t alone — Chase Strumpf also went yard, hitting a two-run shot that tied the game earlier in the inning. Strumpf finished 2-for-2 with two walks and now has seven homers this season.
Pinch-hitter Carlos Pérez capped off the comeback in style, launching a two-run jack on an 0-2 pitch to send the game into extras.
🔵 Knoxville Smokies: Tough Extra-Inning Loss
The Knoxville Smokies dropped a heartbreaker to the Columbus Clingstones (Braves) in 11 innings , falling 4-1 .
Making his Double-A debut , Jaxon Wiggins impressed by allowing only one run over four innings with four strikeouts. Antonio Santos followed with four scoreless frames, keeping the Smokies in it.
But in the 11th, Robert Kwiatkowski gave up three unearned runs due to a fielding error and took the loss.
Offensively, Ethan Hearn led the way with two hits in three at-bats, while Casey Opitz drove in the lone Knoxville run in the ninth.
🟢 South Bend Cubs: Offense Quiet in Defeat
The South Bend Cubs were shut down in a 6-2 loss to the Lansing Lugnuts (Athletics) .
Starting pitcher Connor Schultz struggled, giving up five runs on eight hits in four innings. The offense tried to respond but couldn’t string enough together.
Third baseman Drew Bowser hit his first professional home run — a solo shot in the seventh. Miguel Pabon had a solid night, going 2-for-2 with two walks.
🟠 Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Late Collapse Costs Win
The Myrtle Beach Pelicans fell to the Lynchburg Hillcats (Guardians) , 4-3 , despite holding a lead heading into the late innings.
Right-hander Will Frisch pitched three solid innings, surrendering just one run on two hits. However, Charlie Hurley came in during the eighth and was tagged for three runs, leading to the loss.
The offense was led by Alexey Lumpuy , who went 3-for-3 with a double, a two-run homer, and a stolen base. Shortstop Yahil Melendez also chipped in with two hits and a pair of runs scored.
May 15 was packed with excitement across the Cubs’ farm system, especially in Iowa where Matt Shaw’s late-game heroics stole the spotlight . As the season progresses, players like Shaw, Strumpf, Pérez, and Lumpuy are showing why they’re names to watch moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as the Cubs’ prospects continue to develop and make their push toward Wrigley Field.