Introduction to Colin Rea’s Performance
Nico Hoerner didn’t need to see the ball land in the fifth inning Monday night at Wrigley Field to know Dansby Swanson had hit it over the fence. Moving from second base, he turned and paused, picking up the trajectory of the long fly into the middle of the left-field bleachers, and put both hands in the air, knowing he had all the time in the world to jog to the plate.
The Cubs’ Victory
The Cubs would go on to beat the Marlins 5-2, but Swanson’s fifth-inning home run broke up a scoreless tie and opened the floodgates for the Cubs offense. They couldn’t have gotten there, however, without starting pitcher Colin Rea. “It doesn’t feel flashy, and it doesn’t feel overpowering,” Counsell said. “But it’s good, and he knows what he’s doing. He’s good at his craft.”
Rea’s Impact on the Cubs
It wouldn’t be fair to call Rea an unlikely hero. Just last season he steadied the Brewers rotation in the face of injury. And now he’s doing something similar for the Cubs, after moving from a relief role to starting when Justin Steele went down with an elbow injury that ended up requiring season-ending surgery. “He’s delivered some really good performances,” Counsell said before the game. “You know what to expect. So [we’re] really, really pleased. And this is really exactly the reason we thought he was an important piece in the offseason.”
The Road Ahead for the Cubs
On paper, the Cubs’ schedule is easing. They navigated a gauntlet to begin the season and still managed to seize the top spot in the National League Central. Monday’s victory puts them six games above .500. Their next seven series are against teams with losing records. Over the next week and a half, they play five more games against the Marlins and three against the White Sox, both last-place teams in their divisions.
Rea’s Performance Against the Marlins
Rea limited the Marlins to two runs in 6 ⅔ innings. It was the first time this season that Rea – who had to gradually build up his workload through his first three starts – pitched into the seventh inning. It was only the second time he’d thrown more than five innings. “Stamina-wise, I was good, good to go.” Rea said. “And I didn’t feel like I labored at all those last couple innings. So, it was good to get that pitch count up. And especially the first game of the series.” He only allowed one runner into scoring position through the first six innings Monday. And the only runs he allowed were on the 98th and final pitch he threw, a fastball that clipped the top of the strike zone. Derek Hill drove it over the left-field fence for a two-run homer.
Conclusion
Cubs fans gave Rea a standing ovation as he walked off the mound and toward the dugout. “I was definitely a little frustrated with the way it ended,” Rea said. “But, yeah, it feels good coming out with the lead there.” The Cubs’ victory over the Marlins, backed by Rea’s strong performance, solidifies their position in the league and demonstrates why they were right to target him in the offseason. His ability to step up in critical situations has been invaluable to the team.
FAQs
- Q: Who hit the home run that broke the scoreless tie in the fifth inning?
A: Dansby Swanson hit the home run. - Q: How many runs did Colin Rea allow in his 6 ⅔ innings against the Marlins?
A: Rea allowed two runs. - Q: What is the Cubs’ current standing in the National League Central?
A: The Cubs are six games above .500 and in the top spot in the National League Central. - Q: Who will the Cubs play in their next series?
A: The Cubs will play five more games against the Marlins and three against the White Sox in their upcoming series.
