Dansby Swanson’s Hair Takes Over Wrigley Field
Introduction to the Game
Dansby Swanson’s hair was everywhere Saturday afternoon at Wrigley Field. It even seemed like it was on fire as the Cubs’ shortstop busted down the first-base line to get his team a big insurance run in a 2-0 win over the Reds. “You’re taught to get down the line,” Swanson said after the game. “It’s really that simple.”
The Game Highlights
Fans in the stands sported a giveaway wig that mimicked Swanson’s flowing locks. Meanwhile, on the field, the man himself struck out three times before finding another way to help his team to a victory. The Cubs had a 1-0 lead after breaking a scoreless tie earlier in the eighth inning, designated hitter Seiya Suzuki’s fly ball to right field finding the right combination of sun, wind and a brick wall to flummox the Reds’ right fielder into letting it drop for an RBI double.
Breaking the Scoreless Tie
Swanson came up a few batters later, with the bases loaded, and grounded to shortstop. But rather than concede an out, he hustled to first and beat the throw from Elly De La Cruz, bringing home the Cubs’ second and final run. “You’re just running in anger [over the routine ground ball], maybe,” Swanson joked. “That’s the way you kind of get it out. Not everything’s going to go perfect, not everything’s going to go the way you want it to in a game. There’s moments in the season, there’s struggles, there’s ups and downs. But effort is always one thing you can consistently give.”
Impact on the Game
Though the Reds mounted no further threat – they finished the game with just one hit – manager Craig Counsell pointed out that the extra run might have made the difference in Pete Crow-Armstrong’s decision to make a diving attempt on a line drive to center field in the ninth. The attempt was successful, a spectacular highlight-reel snag. Swanson, a defensive whiz himself at shortstop, has shown off plenty of ways to make an impact besides the bat this season, and the number of facets in which the Cubs excel as a team has led to numerous wins as they chase championship-level goals this season.
Multiple Ways to Impact the Game
“There’s so many ways you can impact the game, not only at the plate offensively,” Swanson said. “There’s base-running things that can be done. There’s defensive plays. There’s so many different ways, and that was one of the ways it happened today.” What about on the promotional front, though? Did the Cubs ace the Swanson hair giveaway? “It’s not as good as the real thing,” Swanson joked.
Injury Updates and Other News
Hodge’s Hip
Counsell informed Saturday that injured reliever Porter Hodge is over the strained oblique that landed him on the IL. But a new issue, a left hip impingement, has slowed Hodge down. Counsell said the Cubs are working through Hodge’s latest ailment and hope he’s able to throw bullpen sessions next week. Given the time off, Hodge will “definitely” need a rehab assignment before returning to the major league team. “We’re looking at a couple weeks still,” Counsell said.
Can’t Catch Kyle
Right fielder Kyle Tucker stole his 16th base of the season Saturday, a total that ranks him near the top of the sport. Coming into Saturday, only four players had stolen more than 16 bases. Tucker is a perfect 16-for-16 in stolen-base attempts this season, the most steals in baseball without being caught.
Conclusion
Dansby Swanson’s hair may have been the talk of Wrigley Field, but it was his hustle and the team’s overall performance that secured the Cubs’ win. As the season progresses, the Cubs will look to continue their winning ways, with Swanson and other players like Kyle Tucker making significant contributions.
FAQs
Q: What was unique about the game at Wrigley Field on Saturday?
A: The game featured a giveaway of wigs that mimicked Dansby Swanson’s hair, and Swanson himself made a notable play by hustling down the first-base line to get an insurance run.
Q: How is Porter Hodge’s injury status?
A: Porter
