The Cubs have taken the first two in this four-game set against the Nationals, and though it’s realistically too late for any of it to make a difference, it’s also too late for tanking to make much of a difference. So, just win games. Feel positive. Something to build on.
Dansby Swanson’s solo homer in the first was the only action in the game until the Cubs tacked on a couple insurance runs in the bottom of the 7th thanks to a pinch-hit two-run single from Mike Tauchman. It was good that they added on, because the Nationals finally broke through in the 8th on a James Wood solo homer.
Today’s is Jameson Taillon, who cruuuuuised for six scoreless innings. Just four baserunners – two singles, two walks, and a HBP – and just 80 pitches. The Nationals threatened only once, a bases loaded situation in the third with two outs. But that ended promptly.
Bonus love for Michael Busch, who𒆙m I will not call the next Anthony Rizzo, but he certainly wears the costume well:
Seiya Suzuki took a catcher throw off the wrist in the 8th while sliding into second base – just the perfectly wrong spot – and hopefully he’ll be OK.
Old friend on the other side of this one, and the lesser-known member of a certain trade …
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