Cubs Minor League Update: Hartshorn Homers, Little Demoted
By John Damon
The Chicago Cubs farm system saw strong performances across the board on Sunday, headlined by another home run from rising star Josiah Hartshorn. In Double-A, left-handed pitcher Luke Little returned to the Smokies and picked up the win as Knoxville took sole possession of first place. The Triple-A Iowa Cubs had a bizarre finish due to rain, while the lower-level affiliates secured solid victories.
What happened in the Iowa Cubs game?
The Iowa Cubs settled for a 4-4 tie against the Louisville Bats on Sunday in a game defined by strange weather. Iowa appeared to secure a dramatic win by scoring five runs in the top of the tenth inning, including a three-run home run by James Triantos. However, rain washed out the bottom of the tenth, forcing the score to revert to the end of the ninth inning.
Starter Doug Nikhazy pitched four innings and allowed two runs on three hits. He struck out six batters and walked none. Both runs against Nikhazy came from a fourth-inning home run by Louisville's Hector Rodriguez.
Center fielder James Triantos went 2 for 4 with two runs batted in. Right fielder Justin Dean went 2 for 4 with a walk and a stolen base.
How did Luke Little perform after his demotion?
The Chicago Cubs demoted left-hander Luke Little from Triple-A Iowa to Double-A Knoxville. Little responded by pitching the bottom of the eighth inning and securing the win in his first Double-A appearance since 2023. He walked one batter but quickly picked him off first base. Little then allowed a two-out single before finishing the inning with a strikeout.
The Knoxville Smokies defeated the Montgomery Biscuits 4-3. This win, combined with a loss by the Lookouts, moved the Smokies into sole possession of first place in the Southern League North Division. Knoxville begins a crucial six-game series at home against the Lookouts on Tuesday.
Brooks Caple started for Knoxville and allowed three unearned runs on two hits over five innings. Yenri Rojas followed with two scoreless innings of relief. Erian Rodriguez pitched the ninth inning to earn his first professional save.
At the plate, first baseman Cameron Sisneros hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to tie the game. It was his first Double-A home run and his seventh overall this season. Sisneros went 2 for 2 with two walks. Designated hitter Andy Garriola hit a sacrifice fly in the ninth to drive in the winning run. Catcher Owen Ayers doubled twice, and third baseman Jefferson Rojas went 3 for 5. Right fielder Alex Ramirez went 2 for 5 with three stolen bases.
Why is Josiah Hartshorn drawing comparisons to Kris Bryant?
At High-A South Bend, designated hitter Josiah Hartshorn continues to dominate. Hartshorn hit a solo home run in the eighth inning of South Bend's 10-3 victory over the Peoria Chiefs. It was his eighth home run in just 18 games with South Bend and his 13th overall this season. Hartshorn went 3 for 4 with a walk, a stolen base, and two runs batted in.
Hartshorn's production has drawn comparisons to Kris Bryant's 2014 Double-A campaign, though Bryant was older at 22 during that stretch. Hartshorn is delivering power at a remarkable pace.
Right fielder Miguel Useche contributed a three-run home run in the fifth inning. It was his seventh home run with South Bend. Left fielder Jose Escobar hit a two-run triple in the first inning. Second baseman Alex Madera went 2 for 5 with three stolen bases, and third baseman Matt Halbach went 2 for 5 with two runs scored.
On the mound, Alfredo Romero pitched three innings and allowed three runs. Nazier Mule pitched three scoreless innings in relief to earn the win. Kenton Egbert, Nate Williams, and Ethan Bell each threw a scoreless inning to close the game.
Can the Myrtle Beach Pelicans maintain their power hitting?
The Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans defeated the Augusta GreenJackets 6-5, powered by three home runs. Right fielder Alexey Lumpuy led off the bottom of the first inning with a solo home run. Left fielder Geuri Lubo hit a solo home run in the fourth inning. Catcher Logan Poteet hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning, giving him ten home runs this season. Poteet went 3 for 4 with three runs batted in.
Starting pitcher Pierce Coppola threw four innings and allowed one run. David Bracho earned the win despite allowing a three-run home run in the seventh. Jordan Henriquez pitched the ninth inning, allowing one run to record the save.
Why was Luke Little sent to Double-A Knoxville?
The Cubs demoted Luke Little to Double-A to refine his mechanics and command. He showed flashes of his old form by picking off a runner and striking out a batter in his first appearance back.
How many home runs does Josiah Hartshorn have this season?
Josiah Hartshorn has hit 13 home runs overall this season. He has hit eight of those home runs in only 18 games since joining the High-A South Bend Cubs.
Did the Iowa Cubs win on Sunday?
The Iowa Cubs tied the Louisville Bats 4-4. A rainout in the tenth inning erased a five-run rally by Iowa, causing the score to revert to the end of the ninth inning.