Ben Cowles hits two home runs in Iowa Cubs' 14-2 victory over St. Paul

Ben Cowles belted two home runs as the Iowa Cubs demolished the St. Paul Saints, 14‑2, on Sunday night, giving the Chicago Cubs’ Triple‑A affiliate a decisive win in a day that also saw successful rehab outings for pitcher Daniel Palencia and victories for the Double‑A Knoxville and High‑A Myrtle Beach squads.

The win matters because Iowa sits at the top of the Cubs’ farm system and is the last stop before a player can be called up to Chicago. Cowles, who has been a key power hitter for Iowa, hit a 423‑foot homer in the first inning and a two‑run shot in the sixth, driving in three runs and setting the tone for a rout. Palencia, who missed the first half of the season with a shoulder injury, threw two scoreless innings in a rehab assignment that gave the Cubs confidence he is ready to face higher‑level competition.

The double‑A Knoxville team beat the Arkansas Travelers 9‑4, while the high‑A Myrtle Beach Pelicans won 7‑3 over the South Atlantic League’s Asheville Tourists. Both games added to a streak of success for the Cubs’ affiliates, underscoring the depth of talent in the organization. Managers in all three clubs praised the players’ focus and the coaching staff’s ability to keep prospects on track during the long season.

Looking ahead, the Cubs will monitor Cowles’ power numbers and Palencia’s arm health as they consider roster moves for the next spring training. If Cowles continues to produce, he could be a candidate for a September call‑up. Palencia’s full recovery could open a spot in the Cubs’ pitching rotation, especially if the team looks to add depth before the trade deadline. The organization’s emphasis on developing homegrown talent remains a priority as they aim to build a competitive roster for the 2027 season.