Javier Assad took the ball to take a stab at opening game of a three-game set, wearing the baby blues. He was opposed by Nationals’ hurler Jake Irvin, whose stats don’t blow anyone away.
Kyle Tucker still has a calf and will work out this morning to determine what direction to steer him in. PCA is back in, batting cleanup. He drove in Ian Happ, who had walked, with the game’s first run [VIDEO]. Seiya Suzuki scored from first on a Nico Hoerner floater to left [VIDEO]. Dansby Swanson had deep thoughts
(22) [VIDEO]. The Cubs sent nine men to the plate for a relatively comfortable cushion, given that a gale was blowing out to right [VIDEO].
Reese McGuire also took advantage of the conditions to hit a big fly (8) [VIDEO], while Sammy Sosa was talking to Wayne Randazzo and Dontrelle Willis. Seems fateful.
Sammy and Derrek Lee are of course being honored this weekend, and Happy Birthday to D-Lee, who turns 50 today. The Cubs Hall of Fame has two new members.
The lead shrank, inevitably on such a day [VIDEO]. But Willi Castro got those runs back [VIDEO]. It didn’t stop there. Nico Hoerner swatted a homer, his first of the year at Wrigley (6) [VIDEO]. Ian Happ got in on the fun (20) [VIDEO].
Porter Hodge wielded his scalpel and it was over. Nigel is down with the score. We only want what’s best for him.
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- Andy Martinez (Marquee Sports Network*): What we learned as offense erupts in series-opening win over Nationals. “The Cubs magic number to clinch a playoff berth is 13 and the number to seal the top spot in the Wild Card is 18.“
- Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): MLB insider drops Cubs offseason info, including Kyle Tucker’s future. “… Jeff Passan dropped a column Thursday.”
- Matt Carlson (AP*): Cubs rookie Cade Horton doesn’t mind early hook, even with a no-hitter going. “Honestly, it really has helped me a lot,” Horton said.
- Tommy Birch (Des Moines Register* {$}): How Chicago Cubs pitcher Jameson Taillon fared in his Sept. 4 rehab start with Iowa Cubs. “I don’t think this will be a problem at all,” Taillon said.
- Matthew Trueblood (North Side Baseball*): Can you believe in the magic of Javier Assad? Here’s the thing: Javier Assad might be special.
- Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune* {$}): Veteran lefty Caleb Thielbar’s journey to becoming one of the Chicago Cubs’ top relievers this season. “I thought it was maybe just getting a little too old, body just won’t allow me to do it anymore,” Thielbar said.
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Rejuvenated PCA central to Cubs’ opener win in return to lineup. “It was a strong day overall for the Cubs’ offense…“
- Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): With October drawing near, the Cubs need Seiya Suzuki back in his comfort zone. “Suzuki’s comfort level has been an ongoing story ever since the Cubs aggressively recruited him after MLB’s lockout ended in 2022.“
- Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Tucker (calf) feeling better but gets another day off to rest. “… Craig Counsell has opted to give the star outfielder a little more time…“
Food for thought:
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