Edgar Alvarez homers as Smokies fall to Barons in minor league action

The Knoxville Smokies faced the Birmingham Barons on June 28, 2026, losing 10-5. Edgar Alvarez hit his eighth home run of the season in the fifth inning. Catcher Owen Ayers had a standout game, going 4 for 4 with three runs scored. On the mound, starter Koen Moreno allowed three runs over four innings. The entire Cubs minor league system struggled as the Iowa Cubs were defeated 8-5 by the Buffalo Bison and the South Bend Cubs lost 7-2 to the Quad Cities River Bandits.

• 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Cubs Minor League Wrap: Edgar Alvarez homers for Smokies