Iowa Cubs Crush Indianapolis 13-7 Behind Alcántara's 432-Foot Blast

The Iowa Cubs delivered an offensive showcase on Monday, overpowering the Indianapolis Indians 13-7 at Principal Park. Kevin Alcántara launched a 432-foot solo home run and reached base in all five of his plate appearances, while Christian Bethancourt drove in four runs to pace the Triple-A club to a decisive victory.

Alcántara Continues Power Surge for Iowa

Alcántara, known as The Jaguar, wasted no time doing damage against Indianapolis starter José Urquidy. The left fielder connected for his 16th home run of the season in the third inning, a shot that traveled an estimated 432 feet. He finished a perfect 3 for 3 at the plate with a double, the homer, two walks, two RBI, and three runs scored. He also added a stolen base.

The 16 home runs mark a career milestone for the young outfielder, who continues to build his case as one of the most exciting prospects in the Cubs organization.

Bethancourt Delivers Four RBI in Winning Effort

Designated hitter Christian Bethancourt provided plenty of thump in the cleanup role. Bethancourt hit his sixth home run of the year, a two-run shot in the fourth inning, and added a two-run double. He finished 3 for 4 with four RBI.

First baseman Jonathon Long went 2 for 5 with an RBI double and scored twice. BJ Murray chipped in with an RBI double of his own, finishing 1 for 4 with a walk.

Center fielder Brett Bateman and second baseman James Triantos each collected two hits and a stolen base. DH Chas McCormick went 2 for 4 with a walk, scoring twice and driving in one.

Wicks Struggles, Beede Picks Up the Win

Starting pitcher Jordan Wicks had another rough outing, surrendering six runs on nine hits over three innings. He struck out four and did not issue a walk, but the Indians tagged him for hard contact throughout his brief start.

Tyler Beede relieved Wicks and pitched two scoreless innings without allowing a hit. Beede walked one and struck out three, earning the win and stabilizing the game for the Iowa bullpen.

Cubs Make Roster Moves Ahead of Series

The Chicago Cubs made several roster moves affecting the Iowa club on Monday. Right-hander Yosver Zulueta was acquired from the Seattle Mariners for cash and will join Triple-A Iowa. Right-handers Ryan Jensen and Zac Leigh were reassigned from Iowa to the rookie-level ACL Cubs, a move that allows them to work in the Cubs pitch lab in Mesa, Arizona.

Right-hander Vince Reilly joins Iowa from Double-A Knoxville, and shortstop Scott Kingery was placed on the temporarily inactive list.

Knoxville Smokies Fall Into First-Place Tie

The Double-A Knoxville Smokies dropped a 5-3 decision to the Chattanooga Lookouts, creating a first-place tie in the division. Starter Connor Schultz took the loss after allowing three runs, two unearned, on six hits over 4.2 innings. He struck out six and walked one.

Right fielder Alex Ramírez hit his eighth home run of the season. Catcher Ariel Armas drove in two runs with a sixth-inning single. Third baseman Jefferson Rojas went 2 for 4 with a double. DH Owen Ayers went 0 for 3 with a walk, snapping his streak of ten consecutive games with at least two hits.

Ayers was still named Southern League Player of the Week, a bright spot despite the loss.

South Bend Cubs Edge Ft. Wayne

The High-A South Bend Cubs held on for a 4-3 win over the Ft. Wayne TinCaps. Third baseman Matt Halbach led the offense, going 3 for 4 with two doubles and his fifth home run of the season. Halbach scored three times.

DH Miguel Useche delivered a go-ahead RBI single in the eighth inning. Starter Kevin Valdez allowed three runs over four innings, and reliever Ben Johnson pitched three hitless frames for the win. Grayson Moore earned the save with 1.1 perfect innings, striking out three.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans Rout Delmarva

Low-A Myrtle Beach cruised to a 12-4 win over the Delmarva Shorebirds. Braylon Myers threw four scoreless innings, and Daniel Avitia picked up the win despite allowing four runs in relief. Third baseman Yahil Melendez reached base four times with a double, three walks, and two RBI.

Catcher Logan Poteet and first baseman Michael Carico each went 2 for 4 with a double and scored three times.

Outfielder Josiah Hartshorn was named Midwest League Player of the Week.

ACL Cubs Get Pitching Boost

The rookie-level ACL Cubs beat the Athletics 9-6. Right-hander Jaxon Wiggins threw the first two innings in a rehab assignment, and Brody McCullough made his first appearance since May 2024, allowing two runs over two innings.

How did Kevin Alcántara perform against Indianapolis?

Alcántara went 3 for 3 with a 432-foot home run, a double, two walks, two RBI, and three runs scored. He also stole a base.

What roster moves did the Iowa Cubs make?

Iowa acquired right-hander Yosver Zulueta from the Mariners, added right-hander Vince Reilly from Double-A Knoxville, placed shortstop Scott Kingery on the temporarily inactive list, and reassigned right-handers Ryan Jensen and Zac Leigh to the ACL Cubs.

Who earned Player of the Week honors in the Cubs system?

Catcher Owen Ayers was named Southern League Player of the Week, and outfielder Josiah Hartshorn was named Midwest League Player of the Week.