CHICAGO — Dansby Swanson, an All-Star shortstop, has yet to make a significant impact for the Chicago Cubs during his second season of a seven-year contract. However, he played a crucial role in the Cubs’ victory over the Detroit Tigers on Tuesday, delivering a powerful swing in the sixth inning.
His solo home run to left-center field provided essential insurance, leading the Cubs to a 3-1 win against the Tigers in the first game of a three-game series at Wrigley Field.
Javier Báez, the former Cubs shortstop who played for the team from 2014 to 2021, went 0-for-4 with four strikeouts in his first game back at Wrigley Field since being traded to the New York Mets at the 2021 trade deadline.
“It was a great tribute to him,” remarked manager A.J. Hinch. “The fans, the video, all the memories. Our guys were really focused on it. We all have a lot of love for Javy, and it’s painful to see him struggling like this. It was a tough night for him, no doubt.”
While Báez struggled at the plate, the Cubs capitalized by scoring all three of their runs in the fifth and sixth innings against left-hander Bryan Sammons, who pitched four innings out of the bullpen.
The Tigers (61-65) initially held a one-run lead until the fifth inning’s two outs, when Cody Bellinger hit a two-run double to right field off an up-and-in fastball.
“The pitch to Bellinger slipped back inside,” explained catcher Dillon Dingler. “We intended to go away with it.”
Although Bellinger was thrown out while attempting to stretch a double into a triple, two runners, who reached on a walk and a single, scored on his line drive, putting the Cubs ahead, 2-1.
Swanson then extended the Cubs’ lead to 3-1 with his solo home run off Sammons’ 90.8 mph fastball, which was located middle-in, in the sixth inning. He launched the ball 387 feet to left-center field, achieving an exit velocity of 107.1 mph.
This marked Swanson’s 10th home run of the 2024 season.
“I shouldn’t have thrown that pitch inside to him,” Dingler acknowledged. “I should have opted for a different call.”
Swanson has now recorded three consecutive seasons with over 20 home runs.
Sammons allowed three earned runs on four hits and issued three walks, along with two strikeouts in four innings of work, having thrown 72 pitches. For the Tigers, right-handed reliever Alex Faedo came in as an opener, securing the first five outs of the game.
“He has a variety of pitches, and he can throw them almost anywhere he wants,” Dingler noted about Sammons. “Moreover, the moment is never too big for him. He goes out there, gives his best effort, places the pitch exactly where he intends, and it pays off. I appreciate his work ethic and the way he approaches pitching.”
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Spencer Torkelson’s standout performance
Spencer Torkelson recorded an impressive 4-for-4 with three singles and a double. He managed to hit his double in the top of the ninth inning, but the Tigers left him stranded after three consecutive outs.
Báez struck out for the fourth time, concluding the game.
“For him, it must feel quite indifferent to step into this ballpark for the first time,” Hinch remarked. “He had numerous chances but couldn’t capitalize. It was an emotionally charged evening.”
In the ninth, Torkelson blasted a 97.2 mph fastball—located down-and-away—with an exit velocity of 107.5 mph. This swing was his best in three games since returning from Triple-A Toledo.
“I’m just focusing on not overdoing it,” Torkelson explained. “If I’m trying to hit a home run there, we’re still down by one run, so my goal was to get something going, keep it simple, and get on base by any means necessary.”
In the last three games, Torkelson has accumulated six hits and two walks in ten plate appearances. Of those six hits, three resulted in extra bases, including two doubles and one triple.
“You have to celebrate small victories when you can,” Torkelson said. “Let’s keep the momentum going.”
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The only run
The Tigers managed to score their sole run during the second inning.
This run was the result of three consecutive singles from Torkelson, Jace Jung, and Dillon Dingler.
Dingler’s single was what ultimately put the Tigers in the lead, 1-0.
In 5 innings of work, Assad gave up one run on six hits, just one walk, and recorded seven strikeouts, having thrown 95 pitches. After Dingler’s leadoff triple in the fifth inning, Assad managed to leave him stranded by striking out three consecutive batters: Báez, Parker Meadows, and Riley Greene.
In the sixth inning, Jung failed to bring in runners on the corners when he struck out swinging against right-handed reliever Tyson Miller, who took over for Assad.
The Tigers concluded the game with a dismal 1-for-13 performance with runners in scoring position.
“I’m definitely pleased with the hits,” Torkelson remarked. “It’s all about keeping it simple. I felt like I had a solid plan, and we all went into the game with a good strategy. I felt confident in my ability to execute it.”
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Cubs’ Dansby Swanson Shines in 3-1 Victory Over Tigers
Game Overview
In a thrilling matchup on a crisp autumn evening at Wrigley Field, the Chicago Cubs outplayed the Detroit Tigers with a commanding 3-1 victory. The star of the night was undoubtedly Dansby Swanson, who showcased his exceptional skills on both offense and defense, helping the Cubs secure a crucial win. Meanwhile, former Cubs player Javy Baez faced challenges in his emotional return to the historic ballpark, adding a narrative arc to the game that resonated with fans.
Dansby Swanson’s Stellar Performance
Swanson’s performance was a testament to his value as a key player for the Cubs this season. Here are some highlights from his outstanding display:
- Home Run: Swanson launched a powerful home run in the fourth inning, bringing the score to 2-0 and energizing the crowd.
- Defensive Skills: His defensive prowess was evident as he made several crucial stops, demonstrating why he’s considered one of the best shortstops in the league.
- On-Base Percentage: Swanson also contributed to the team’s offense by reaching base multiple times, ending the night with a .375 on-base percentage.
Swanson’s Impact on the Team
With a batting average climbing steadily, Swanson has become the backbone of the Cubs’ batting order. His leadership qualities and ability to perform in clutch situations have made a significant impact on the team’s morale. Key statistics from his recent performances include:
| Date | Opponent | Hits | Home Runs | RBIs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 3, 2023 | Tigers | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| October 1, 2023 | Brewers | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| September 29, 2023 | Cardinals | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Javy Baez’s Emotional Return
For Javy Baez, the game held a different significance. Returning to Wrigley Field after parting ways with the Cubs, his homecoming was filled with mixed emotions. Fans welcomed him back with open arms, showcasing their appreciation for his contributions during his tenure with the Cubs.
Baez’s Struggles on the Field
Despite the warm reception, Baez struggled significantly throughout the game. Here are some key points regarding his performance:
- Batting Issues: Baez went hitless, finishing the game with 0-for-4, showcasing the challenges he has faced in recent games.
- Defensive Errors: The shortstop also made two critical errors in the field, which led to unearned runs for the Cubs.
- Mental Pressure: The emotional weight of returning to a place where he had so much success seemed to affect his performance, as he tried to match the high expectations set by his previous years in Chicago.
Comparative Performance: Swanson vs. Baez
To further illustrate the contrasting performances between the two shortstops during the game, let’s take a closer look at their statistics:
| Player | Hits | Home Runs | RBIs | Errors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dansby Swanson | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Javy Baez | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Fan Reactions and Atmosphere at Wrigley Field
The atmosphere at Wrigley Field was electric, filled with a palpable sense of nostalgia as fans experienced the thrill of their Cubs in action. Here’s how fans reacted during the game:
- Fans cheered loudly when Swanson hit his home run, igniting a wave of excitement.
- Baez received a standing ovation when introduced, but the cheers turned to murmurs of concern as he struggled.
- Throughout the game, the crowd remained supportive, creating an encouraging environment for both players.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs’ recent victory was a vital boost in their pursuit of a playoff spot. With Dansby Swanson leading the charge, the team appears poised to make a strong push as the end of the season approaches. Javy Baez, on the other hand, will need to regroup and find his footing as he adjusts to the pressures of playing against his former team.
Practical Tips for Fans Attending Future Games
For those planning to attend Cubs games in the future, here are some tips to enhance your experience:
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to soak in the atmosphere and enjoy pre-game activities.
- Wear Team Colors: Show your support by wearing Cubs gear, making the experience more engaging.
- Stay Hydrated: Games can be long, and it’s essential to stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months.
- Engage with Other Fans: Chatting with fellow fans can enhance the experience and create lasting memories.
Conclusion
This matchup between the Cubs and the Tigers not only highlighted Dansby Swanson’s talent but also brought forth the emotional complexities facing Javy Baez. As the Cubs continue their campaign, fans are left hopeful for more thrilling moments at Wrigley Field.
