Game Recap
The Chicago Cubs secured a thrilling 1-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Thursday night, thanks to a deep sacrifice fly from rookie Matt Shaw in the 10th inning. This victory marked the Cubs’ sweep of the series and handed the Guardians their seventh consecutive loss.
The winning run was scored by Nico Hoerner, who started the 10th inning as the automatic runner. He advanced to third base on Michael Busch’s groundout and then trotted home on Shaw’s liner that Lane Thomas caught in front of the ivy at Wrigley Field.
Team Performance
The Cubs’ win was largely due to the strong performance of their pitching staff, with rookie starter Cade Horton throwing seven scoreless innings. Horton allowed just five hits in his longest outing so far, setting the tone for the rest of the game. The Cubs’ bullpen, including Chris Flexen, who pitched a perfect 10th inning, also played a crucial role in securing the win. Flexen earned the win, improving his record to 5-0.
Guardians’ Struggles
The Guardians, on the other hand, struggled to find their rhythm, with their bullpen unable to hold off the Cubs in the 10th inning. Cleveland closer Emmanuel Clase took the loss, pitching the ninth and 10th innings. The Guardians’ offense was led by Steven Kwan, who had two singles in a game with no extra-base hits.
Starting Pitchers
Cubs rookie starter Cade Horton threw seven scoreless, five-hit innings in his longest outing so far. Cleveland’s Joey Cantillo tossed 3 1/3 two-hit, shutout innings in his first start this season. Cantillo was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to replace scheduled starter Luis Ortiz, who was placed on non-disciplinary leave Thursday as the subject of a Major League Baseball gambling investigation.
Key Moments
Key Moment
A key moment in the game came in the fifth inning when back-to-back singles by Daniel Schneemann and Bo Naylor put runners at first and third with one out. However, Cubs backup catcher Reese McGuire threw out Naylor as he tried to steal second, and then Brayan Rocchio bounced out to end the threat.
Key Stat
The Guardians are 9-19 since June 1, highlighting their struggles in recent weeks.
Up Next
The Guardians will look to bounce back on Friday against the Tigers in Cleveland, with RHP Slade Cecconi (3-3, 3.64 ERA) taking the mound. The Cubs, meanwhile, will face the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday afternoon at Wrigley, with RHP Colin Rea (5-3, 4.37 ERA) facing off against RHP Miles Mikolas (4-5, 4.76).
Conclusion
The Cubs’ win marked a significant milestone, as they improved to 52-35 and moved four games ahead of second-place Milwaukee in the NL Central. The Guardians, on the other hand, will look to regroup and end their seven-game losing streak.
FAQs
Q: Who scored the winning run for the Cubs?
A: Nico Hoerner scored the winning run for the Cubs.
Q: Who pitched the winning inning for the Cubs?
A: Chris Flexen pitched a perfect 10th inning to earn the win.
Q: How many consecutive losses have the Guardians suffered?
A: The Guardians have lost seven consecutive games.
Q: Who will start for the Guardians on Friday?
A: RHP Slade Cecconi will start for the Guardians on Friday against the Tigers.
Q: Who will start for the Cubs on Friday?
A: RHP Colin Rea will start for the Cubs on Friday against the St. Louis Cardinals.
