Chicago Cubs Stave Off Elimination with Win Over Washington Nationals
Austin Taylor – September 15, 2024
The Chicago Cubs kept their postseason hopes alive with a 3-1 win over the Washington Nationals on Friday at Wrigley Field. Right-hander Jameson Taillon allowed just two hits over six innings, while Dansby Swanson hit his 16th home run of the season to lead the Cubs.
With the win, the Cubs moved to 79-75 on the season and maintained their spot in the thick of the National League wild card chase. They are now just seven games behind the New York Mets and Arizona for the final playoff spot in the NL.
Cubs Rally in the Seventh
The game was scoreless until the bottom of the first inning when Swanson homered off Nationals starter Trevor Williams to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. The Cubs would add to their lead in the seventh inning when pinch-hitter Mike Tauchman hit a two-run single off Nationals reliever Tyson Miller.
Taillon Shines on the Mound
Jameson Taillon got the win for the Cubs, allowing just two hits and striking out four batters over six innings of work. The right-hander has now won three straight starts, and his ERA over that span sits at an impressive 1.99.
“It was a really good effort,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell. “It was crafty the way he pitched…. His cutter to the backside, he had a lot of lefties in the lineup obviously, and his cutter to that side of the plate was really good.”
Washington Struggles Continue
The Nationals have now lost five straight games and are facing an uphill battle to climb back into contention. Washington starter Trevor Williams took the loss, allowing one run and three hits over five innings of work.
Key Players
Dansby Swanson – Hit his 16th home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
Jameson Taillon – Picked up the win for the Cubs, allowing just two hits over six innings of work.
Mike Tauchman – Had a pinch-hit, two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning to give the Cubs a 3-1 lead.
Trainer’s Room
The Cubs announced that left-handed pitcher Jordan Wicks has been placed on the 15-day injured list with a right oblique strain. The team also recalled right-handed pitcher Trey Wingenter from Triple-A Iowa.
Next Up
The Cubs will host the Nationals again on Saturday, with Washington left-handed pitcher MacKenzie Gore facing off against Chicago right-handed pitcher Kyle Hendricks.
Conclusion
The Cubs kept their postseason hopes alive with a 3-1 win over the Nationals. Jameson Taillon and the Cubs bullpen combined to shut down the Nationals, while Dansby Swanson and Mike Tauchman provided the offense. With eight games left to play, the Cubs will need to continue to win if they hope to make the playoffs.
FAQs
Q: How many hits did Jameson Taillon allow in the game?
A: Jameson Taillon allowed two hits in the game.
Q: Who hit the pinch-hit, two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning?
A: Mike Tauchman hit the pinch-hit, two-run single in the bottom of the seventh inning.
Q: Who is the next opponent for the Cubs?
A: The Cubs will host the Nationals again on Saturday.
Q: How many games do the Cubs have left in the season?
A: The Cubs have eight games left in the season.
