The Cubs didn’t appear particularly eager to win this game, having to overcome several deficits and experiencing some more lackluster relief pitching.
However, a rally in the seventh inning erased the final deficit, allowing the Cubs to secure a 7-6 victory over the Nationals in the last night game of the season at Wrigley Field.
Javier Assad opened with another typical “Javier Assad” first inning, marked by lengthy counts and a walk. Despite facing two hits, which led to a 1-0 lead for the Nats, Assad managed to strike out the side.
The Cubs evened the score in the bottom of the first when Dansby Swanson beat out a slow roller to second base and advanced to second on a single from Seiya Suzuki.
Cody Bellinger’s single brought Swanson home [VIDEO].
Assad continued to face challenges. He escaped the second inning unscathed thanks to Miguel Amaya’s throw that caught Jacob Young attempting to steal. Young got injured on the play and exited the game [VIDEO].
The Nationals added two runs in the third inning, fueled by a couple of doubles, but the Cubs quickly responded with two runs of their own in the bottom half. Ian Happ opened with a single but was forced out at second by Swanson.
Seiya Suzuki tied the game with a home run, marking his 21st of the season [VIDEO].
That’s a career record for Seiya, and he crushed that ball! [VIDEO]
The Cubs went scoreless in the fourth, but Nico Hoerner managed a single and stole second base, leading to this interesting tidbit from BCB’s JohnW53:
Nico Hoerner’s stolen base marked his 30th. Last year, he stole 46. The most recent Cub with 30 or more steals in consecutive seasons was Eric Young Sr., who had 54 in 2000 and 31 in 2001. Young was previously the first player since Ryne Sandberg, who stole 54 in 1985 and 34 in 1986.
Assad completed five innings, yielding seven hits and three runs while striking out five. While not a terrible outing, it would be beneficial to see him extend his innings, particularly given the Cubs’ bullpen troubles in the sixth. Shawn Armstrong allowed a lead-off single, but a slick double play by Nico Hoerner and Swanson prevented further damage. Unfortunately, the following two Nats batters each hit safely—a single and a double—putting runners on second and third.
This prompted Craig Counsell to replace Armstrong with Drew Smyly. The decision backfired immediately when Joey Gallo hit a three-run homer, pushing Washington ahead 6-3.
While I’m uncertain about Smyly’s issues, I would prefer not to see him pitch again this season, especially since the Cubs lack other lefties in the bullpen. After performing well throughout the year, Smyly has faltered in his last five outings, allowing nine runs (eight earned) in just two innings, resulting in a staggering 36.00 ERA and a 6.000 WHIP, including two home runs. Out of the 18 batters he faced during this stretch, 12 have reached base. That’s enough.
The Cubs went down in order in the sixth, but Ethan Roberts delivered a scoreless seventh, aided by this strike out-throw out double play [VIDEO].
In the seventh, the Cubs assembled the rally that led to their victory. Happ initiated the inning with a single, and Swanson followed up with another single, marking his third hit of the game. One out later, Bellinger tied the game with this hit [VIDEO].
Swanson reached third on that play and scored on this infield out by Isaac Paredes [VIDEO].
It was then the Cubs’ bullpen’s turn to secure the win. Jorge Lopez retired the Nats in order in the eighth with just 10 pitches, and Porter Hodge came on for the save opportunity. He encountered difficulty with a double and a walk, placing Nats runners on second and third. However, Hodge managed to secure the victory with this fly out to left to end the game [VIDEO].
the game was somewhat disorganized from the Cubs’ perspective, and they missed several scoring opportunities, finishing 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position. Nonetheless, a win is always appreciated.
The Cubs will aim for a second consecutive victory against the Nationals on Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Jameson Taillon will take the mound for the Cubs, and former teammate Trevor Williams is set to start for Washington after being activated from the injured list. The game is scheduled for 1:20 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network.
Cubs Rally Late to Overcome Nationals in Sloppy 7-6 Victory at Wrigley
Game Overview
In a thrilling encounter at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs staged a remarkable comeback to defeat the Washington Nationals 7-6 in what can only be described as a rollercoaster of a game. The match was marked by sloppy play and multiple errors, yet the Cubs showcased their resilience as they rallied late to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
Key Moments of the Game
The game featured several pivotal moments that kept fans on the edge of their seats:
- Early Dominance by Nationals: The Nationals jumped out to a quick lead, capitalizing on some early Cubs mistakes.
- Cubs’ Response: Chicago managed to fight back with a series of hits that demonstrated their offensive capabilities.
- Late-Inning Drama: In the final innings, the Cubs executed a stunning rally that turned the game around.
Statistical Summary
Here’s a quick look at the game’s key statistics:
| Team | Runs | Hits | Errors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 7 | 10 | 3 |
| Washington Nationals | 6 | 8 | 2 |
Player Highlights
Several players stood out during this intense matchup:
- Ian Happ: Happ’s key hits in the late innings proved crucial for the Cubs’ comeback.
- Seiya Suzuki: Suzuki contributed with a home run that ignited the Cubs’ offense.
- Marcus Stroman: Despite a rocky start, Stroman’s pitching helped stabilize the team during critical moments.
Sloppy Play and Its Impact
The game was characterized by several errors that led to scoring opportunities for both teams. Here’s a breakdown of the major blunders and their impacts:
- Fielding Errors: Both teams committed errors in the field, but the Cubs’ errors allowed the Nationals to score critical runs.
- Baserunning Mistakes: There were notable baserunning gaffes that hindered potential scoring opportunities for both teams.
- Pitching Struggles: Pitchers from both sides struggled to find their rhythm, contributing to the high-scoring affair.
Strategic Insights
As the game progressed, both teams made strategic adjustments that influenced the outcome:
- Pinch-Hitting Decisions: Cubs manager David Ross made crucial pinch-hitting moves that led to key runs.
- Relief Pitching: The Cubs’ relief pitchers stepped up when it mattered most, holding the Nationals at bay during the final innings.
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere
The atmosphere at Wrigley Field was electric, with fans experiencing a range of emotions throughout the game. Key highlights included:
- Cheering and Groaning: Fans roared with excitement during the Cubs’ rally, only to groan at errors that led to Nationals runs.
- Post-Game Celebrations: Cubs fans celebrated the hard-fought victory, enjoying the camaraderie of fellow supporters.
What This Win Means for the Cubs
This victory holds significant implications for the Chicago Cubs as they continue their campaign in the MLB season:
- Boosting Morale: A comeback win like this can uplift the spirits of the team and fans alike.
- Playoff Implications: Every win counts in the race for playoff positioning, making this game crucial as the season progresses.
- Building Momentum: The Cubs will aim to build on this victory and gain consistent performance moving forward.
Practical Tips for Cubs Fans
As a Cubs fan, here are some practical tips to enhance your game day experience:
- Arrive Early: Get to the stadium early to soak in the atmosphere and avoid missing any of the pre-game action.
- Stay Engaged: Follow the game stats and player performances to understand the dynamics during the match.
- Cheer Loudly: Your support can energize the team, especially during critical moments of the game.
Case Study: Late-Game Comebacks in MLB History
Late-game comebacks are a thrilling aspect of baseball. A few renowned cases include:
- Red Sox vs. Yankees (2004 ALCS): The Red Sox overcame a 3-0 series deficit, exemplifying the power of resilience.
- Giants vs. Royals (2014 World Series): In a nail-biting finish, the Giants clinched victory with a dramatic late-game rally.
First-Hand Experience: Cubs Fans Share Their Thoughts
To capture the spirit of the game, here are some thoughts from fans who attended the match:
“The atmosphere was electric! Even when we were down, we believed we could come back. That’s the magic of Wrigley Field!” – Sarah, lifelong Cubs fan.
“What a game! I couldn’t believe the late rally. It reminded me why I love baseball!” – Mike, season ticket holder.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matchups
The Cubs will be looking to carry this momentum into their next series. Here’s a look at their upcoming schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| April 25 | St. Louis Cardinals | Home |
| April 27 | Milwaukee Brewers | Away |
| April 30 | Pittsburgh Pirates | Home |
Conclusion
With this thrilling victory over the Nationals, the Chicago Cubs have proven their ability to fight back in challenging situations. The sloppy play may have contributed to a chaotic game, but the Cubs’ resilience shines through, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead.
