What a thrilling conclusion to the series! The Chicago Cubs, sitting at 46-38, pulled off back-to-back victories against the division-leading Milwaukee Brewers, who are currently 50-31. The Cubs clinched a nail-biting 4-3 win in extra innings on Sunday, showcasing their resilience and determination.
In a matchup that featured Ryan Rolison as the opener for the Cubs against Milwaukee's Brandon Woodruff, the Cubs managed to score four runs on just four hits. They held their ground in the bottom of the 10th inning, fending off a determined Brewers' comeback attempt.
The Cubs are on quite a roll, having won eight of their last ten games, and they're now just 5.5 games behind the Brewers in the NL Central. Let's delve into three standout moments from this late-inning thriller!
Pete Crow-Armstrong has been making headlines throughout June, and it's easy to see why, with performances reminiscent of Sammy Sosa's glory days. But let's not overlook Seiya Suzuki, who has also been crucial to the Cubs' recent success. With a .971 OPS and 16 RBIs before Sunday's finale, Suzuki has been a key player in the Cubs' resurgence.
True to form, Suzuki delivered the game's only hit in the 10th inning for the Cubs, a clutch two-out, two-run single that extended their lead to 4-1.
Suzuki's timely hit was only the Cubs' fourth of the game and their first with runners in scoring position, as they went 1-for-10 in those situations. That hit turned out to be crucial, providing insurance runs that helped fend off the Brewers' late push in the 10th.
The Cubs' bullpen was put to the test, utilizing seven pitchers throughout the game. Ryan Rolison kicked things off, allowing a solo home run to Gary Sanchez in the second inning. Bryse Wilson took on the bulk of the workload, pitching 4.1 innings of scoreless baseball.
Caleb Thielbar added another inning, while Tyler Ferguson and Jacob Webb combined for one more. Ethan Robert entered in the 10th, conceding two hits and an earned run, before Jordan Wicks stepped in to secure his first save of the season. Quite the surprise performance!
Across 10 innings, Cubs pitchers scattered 10 hits and 4 walks, surrendering only two earned runs while striking out 12. This resilient performance was just what the Cubs needed, especially as they continue to battle through a spate of pitching injuries.
Looking ahead, the Cubs are set to begin a three-game series with the Padres on Monday evening. They're back at Wrigley Field for a six-game homestand as the 4th of July approaches. The Padres, currently 43-39, are coming off a series loss to the Dodgers and are a game behind the Cardinals for the final NL Wild Card spot.
Shota Imanaga is expected to take the mound for the Cubs. Despite allowing three home runs in his last outing against the Mets, Imanaga managed to secure the win by minimizing the damage. With a 4.40 ERA this season, the lefty hasn't faced the Padres at Wrigley since last April, when he pitched seven strong innings for a victory.
Stay tuned for more exciting action as the Cubs continue their fight in the NL Central race!
In Other News...
Dansby Swanson Just Made The Cubs Deadline Pressure Even Clearer
The Cubs have spent much of this month staring straight at the same problem: the pitching staff is thin, and the injuries are not letting up. With five starting pitchers on the injured list, Chicago has already had to patch things together, even after bringing in David Peterson to help stabilize the rotation.
Dansby Swanson helped make the deadline mission sound even clearer by confirming what the standings and the injury report have already suggested. Jameson Taillon is still not projected back until closer to the All-Star break, and if Chicago is going to stay on course through the second half, the front office may have to add more than just another arm before the deadline arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Cubs May Already Have A Carson Kelly Backup Plan Brewing
Carson Kellys strong season has only sharpened the question the Cubs will have to answer later: how hard can they push to keep him when free agency arrives? He has given them exactly what they wanted behind the plate, but Chicago has a roster to build around more than one position, and pitching and outfield help are part of the conversation too.
If Kelly walks, the Cubs are not starting from zero, and they may not have to rely solely on the open market to solve it. There are internal catching options to sort through, and the long view could also run through the draft, where Chicago may be looking at a future successor rather than treating the position as an immediate emergency. [Read more 🡒]
MLBs Latest Idea Feels A Little Too Perfect For The Cubs
Major League Baseballs leaked collective bargaining proposal has already stirred up the usual debate over how much freedom star players should have, and how much control teams should keep once the bidding starts. The outline includes a tighter free-agency system, with shorter maximum contract lengths for players changing teams and for players staying put, plus a push to raise the league minimum salary based on service time.
For Cubs fans, the eye-catching part is how neatly it fits the way Jed Hoyer has run the front office for years. Chicago has long been built around flexibility rather than the kind of sprawling commitments that define the top of the market, which is why names like Kyle Tucker, Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto never felt like realistic fits in the first place. If this proposal ever becomes real, it could make the Cubs preferred path look a lot less like a choice and a lot more like the new rules of the game. [Read more 🡒]