What's Happening?
The Chicago Cubs made significant strides in their recent game against the Cincinnati Reds, with two pitchers achieving historic milestones. Andrew Kittredge threw an immaculate inning, marking the 120th such occurrence in major league history. This achievement came just a day after facing criticism from fans. Additionally, rookie pitcher Cade Horton extended his scoreless streak, setting a new record among Chicago Cubs rookies. Horton's streak began on July 9 against the Minnesota Twins, and he has since maintained four consecutive scoreless starts, lowering his ERA to 3.18 and improving his season record to 6-3. Despite challenges such as injuries to key players like Justin Steele, the Cubs have managed to stay competitive, largely due to the contributions of unsung heroes like Horton.
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Why It's Important?
These achievements are crucial for the Chicago Cubs as they navigate a challenging season marked by injuries and roster changes. Cade Horton's performance provides a much-needed boost to the Cubs' pitching staff, which has struggled with consistency. His ability to maintain a scoreless streak not only sets a franchise record but also positions the Cubs to remain competitive in the NL Central division race. Andrew Kittredge's immaculate inning further highlights the potential within the Cubs' roster, offering hope for continued success. As the Cubs face a tough road trip against teams like the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays, maintaining this momentum is vital for their playoff aspirations.
What's Next?
The Cubs are set to embark on a challenging road trip, facing the St. Louis Cardinals and Toronto Blue Jays in upcoming games. These matchups are critical as the Cubs aim to close the gap with the Milwaukee Brewers, who currently lead the NL Central division. The Cubs will need to leverage their recent pitching successes to remain within striking distance of the division leaders. The upcoming series against the Brewers could be pivotal in determining the division outcome, making it essential for the Cubs to continue their strong performance.
