2 months ago
CHICAGO (AP) — Jackson Chourio homered and the Milwaukee Brewers beat the Chicago Cubs 9-5 on Wednesday night, overcoming a shaky performance by Jacob Misiorowski.
William Contreras hit a tiebreaking RBI single as Milwaukee won for the sixth time in eight games, improving to a major league-best 87-53. Chourio had four of the Brewers' 14 hits and scored twice.
Misiorowski allowed five runs and five hits in four innings. The front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award surrendered three earned runs or fewer in his first 25 starts this year.
Chicago (78-62) dropped nine games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. It also remained one game back of Philadelphia for the top NL wild card.
Alex Bregman homered and drove in four runs for the Cubs, who have lost three of four. Bregman is batting .331 (48 for 145) with 14 homers and 37 RBIs in his last 35 games.
#Chicago #chourio #Cubs
William Contreras hit a tiebreaking RBI single as Milwaukee won for the sixth time in eight games, improving to a major league-best 87-53. Chourio had four of the Brewers' 14 hits and scored twice.
Misiorowski allowed five runs and five hits in four innings. The front-runner for the NL Cy Young Award surrendered three earned runs or fewer in his first 25 starts this year.
Chicago (78-62) dropped nine games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central. It also remained one game back of Philadelphia for the top NL wild card.
Alex Bregman homered and drove in four runs for the Cubs, who have lost three of four. Bregman is batting .331 (48 for 145) with 14 homers and 37 RBIs in his last 35 games.
#Chicago #chourio #Cubs
2 months ago
There haven't been many games like last night, but the couple that the Brewers have had have felt like the worst time to have them. Tonight, the conditions at The Friendly Confines look to be similar to last night, meaning the best pitching staff in the National League will have their work cut out for them yet again.
To make things more interesting, both pitchers toeing the slab have had quite the interesting lines for their respective scenarios. For Robert Gasser, he has not looked comfortable in road games this season, entering tonight's game with a 5.10 ERA, having allowed 45 hits with nine home runs. On the bright side of things, he is coming off of one of his better performances this season as he allowed just one run in 5.1 innings, something he hasn't done since August 1 against the Angels.
While Gasser's stats might sound scary, it's not quite as bad as what we've seen from the Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd during home games this season. Through eight starts, Boyd has posted a 5.44 ERA, allowing at least five runs in each of his last two starts. To pour a little more salt into the wound, Boyd hasn't fared well against the Brewers throughout his career, as he has a 9.00 ERA in five starts, allowing nine home runs, 16 walks, and 30 hits.
With the offense looking like it's going to be the name of the game tonight, the Brewers will continue to go with the home run-heavy top of the lineup. As will the Cubs tonight, as they're fresh off of the second most home runs hit by an MLB team in history with nine last night. The man who had three of them last night, Alex Bregman, will be in the three spot of their lineup last night.
As the calendar flips to September, reinforcements enter the clubhouse. Earlier this afternoon, the Brewers recalled Bo Naylor from Triple-A Nashville, giving the team their third catcher on the active roster. The second reinforcement comes in the left-hander JoJo Romero, who will look to make his Brewers debut tonight. Before the trade with the Cardinals, Romero had appeared in 44 games, recording 20 holds while posting a 3.51 ERA.
#brewers #night
To make things more interesting, both pitchers toeing the slab have had quite the interesting lines for their respective scenarios. For Robert Gasser, he has not looked comfortable in road games this season, entering tonight's game with a 5.10 ERA, having allowed 45 hits with nine home runs. On the bright side of things, he is coming off of one of his better performances this season as he allowed just one run in 5.1 innings, something he hasn't done since August 1 against the Angels.
While Gasser's stats might sound scary, it's not quite as bad as what we've seen from the Cubs starting pitcher Matthew Boyd during home games this season. Through eight starts, Boyd has posted a 5.44 ERA, allowing at least five runs in each of his last two starts. To pour a little more salt into the wound, Boyd hasn't fared well against the Brewers throughout his career, as he has a 9.00 ERA in five starts, allowing nine home runs, 16 walks, and 30 hits.
With the offense looking like it's going to be the name of the game tonight, the Brewers will continue to go with the home run-heavy top of the lineup. As will the Cubs tonight, as they're fresh off of the second most home runs hit by an MLB team in history with nine last night. The man who had three of them last night, Alex Bregman, will be in the three spot of their lineup last night.
As the calendar flips to September, reinforcements enter the clubhouse. Earlier this afternoon, the Brewers recalled Bo Naylor from Triple-A Nashville, giving the team their third catcher on the active roster. The second reinforcement comes in the left-hander JoJo Romero, who will look to make his Brewers debut tonight. Before the trade with the Cardinals, Romero had appeared in 44 games, recording 20 holds while posting a 3.51 ERA.
#brewers #night
2 months ago
The Cubs celebrated 150 years since becoming a National League franchise before Sunday's game, with many of the team's icons present.
Then the current Cubs put on an offensive show, with its newest potential franchise player, Pete Crow-Armstrong, solidifying his claim on this year's National League MVP award. PCA hit three home runs, also singled, and had a chance at a fourth homer in the eighth inning. He got a standing ovation after grounding out against a Reds position player in that at-bat, and how often do you see that?
Alex Bregman, Carson Kelly and Seiya Suzuki also homered for the Cubs and all of that helped the team to a 17-5 blowout of the Reds.
The fun started in the first inning, after Kevin Gausman set the Reds down in order in the top of the frame.
PCA hit the second pitch of the bottom of the first for his 34th home run [VIDEO].
#inning
Then the current Cubs put on an offensive show, with its newest potential franchise player, Pete Crow-Armstrong, solidifying his claim on this year's National League MVP award. PCA hit three home runs, also singled, and had a chance at a fourth homer in the eighth inning. He got a standing ovation after grounding out against a Reds position player in that at-bat, and how often do you see that?
Alex Bregman, Carson Kelly and Seiya Suzuki also homered for the Cubs and all of that helped the team to a 17-5 blowout of the Reds.
The fun started in the first inning, after Kevin Gausman set the Reds down in order in the top of the frame.
PCA hit the second pitch of the bottom of the first for his 34th home run [VIDEO].
#inning
2 months ago
I have a confession to make. This whole season, I have been waiting for the other proverbial shoe to drop for Eduardo Rodriguez. I had a difficult time believing the same pitcher who had posted consecutive seasons with ERAs north of five could somehow transform himself into a legitimate Cy Young candidate. There were some legitimate reasons for that doubt too between his whiff percentage, strikeout rate, and chase rate all leave something to be desired – to say nothing of expected stats that paint an even worse picture. But at some point, you have to throw out all the other pieces of evidence and recognize that however he's doing it, Rodriguez is putting together one of the best pitching seasons in franchise history. And at a time in the season where every win is crucial, he delivered once more with an absolute gem against the Chicago Cubs on Wednesday afternoon. In seven innings of scoreless work, Rodriguez racked up nine strikeouts and allowed just five baserunners all game, inducing a whopping 18 swings and misses along the way.
It was a fairly dominant performance for the veteran lefty, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. In the visiting half of the sixth, Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was mostly contained in the series, stroked a leadoff double down the line and then moved over to third on Seiya Suzuki's groundout. After a shallow flyout from Alex Bregman wasn't deep enough for PCA to score, he decided to take matters into his own hands and bluffed a straight steal of home by sprinting halfway down the third base line. That move unsettled Rodriguez enough for him to shuffle off the pitching rubber before delivering to James McCann behind the plate. The entire Cubs dugout clamored for a balk call, but after a quick umpire consultation, it was declared not a balk – much to PCA's chagrin as he charged directly at the third base umpire and had to be held back by his coaches. After a few replays of the incident, I do think (as does Bob Brenly) that it probably was a balk. E-Rod clearly takes his left foot off the rubber before coming home with the ball, which would be very deceiving to a baserunner and which has always been the intent behind the balk rule. The play also highlighted the fact that every play should be reviewable as other angles show enough that the Cubs at least had an argument and when the margin is so thin, the call should be correct. It's worth watching the whole sequence for yourself to see where you fall on the decision:
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For what it's worth, Chicago starter Matthew Boyd nearly matched Rodriguez zero for zero as the veteran journeyman allowed the same number of baserunners (five) in six innings of work and continued the excellent starting pitching the Cubs had in the series. His only mistake was a hanging changeup that Jordan Lawlar just lifted over the right field fence for the only run allowed by a Cubs starting pitcher. The D-Backs added an insurance run in the eighth when consecutive leadoff singles from McCann and La
It was a fairly dominant performance for the veteran lefty, but it wasn't all smooth sailing. In the visiting half of the sixth, Pete Crow-Armstrong, who was mostly contained in the series, stroked a leadoff double down the line and then moved over to third on Seiya Suzuki's groundout. After a shallow flyout from Alex Bregman wasn't deep enough for PCA to score, he decided to take matters into his own hands and bluffed a straight steal of home by sprinting halfway down the third base line. That move unsettled Rodriguez enough for him to shuffle off the pitching rubber before delivering to James McCann behind the plate. The entire Cubs dugout clamored for a balk call, but after a quick umpire consultation, it was declared not a balk – much to PCA's chagrin as he charged directly at the third base umpire and had to be held back by his coaches. After a few replays of the incident, I do think (as does Bob Brenly) that it probably was a balk. E-Rod clearly takes his left foot off the rubber before coming home with the ball, which would be very deceiving to a baserunner and which has always been the intent behind the balk rule. The play also highlighted the fact that every play should be reviewable as other angles show enough that the Cubs at least had an argument and when the margin is so thin, the call should be correct. It's worth watching the whole sequence for yourself to see where you fall on the decision:
View Link
For what it's worth, Chicago starter Matthew Boyd nearly matched Rodriguez zero for zero as the veteran journeyman allowed the same number of baserunners (five) in six innings of work and continued the excellent starting pitching the Cubs had in the series. His only mistake was a hanging changeup that Jordan Lawlar just lifted over the right field fence for the only run allowed by a Cubs starting pitcher. The D-Backs added an insurance run in the eighth when consecutive leadoff singles from McCann and La
2 months ago
The White Sox week started by getting walked off on back-to-back nights, there was a midweek goose egg to lose a makeup game to Atlanta, and then the pitching gave up 10 runs to a Mets team that is well worse than .500. Oh, and not to mention, it's the middle of a 16-game stretch, so Chicago's pitching staff was extremely taxed.
So much so that when Will Venable was asked this week what the plan was for the North Side portion of the Crosstown Classic, he told reporters there wasn't one. I am no idiot. I know this was likely a half-truth. There had to be concepts of a plan. That plan was "The Opener."
Following a loss that was lead off by and ended by Pete Crow-Armstrong home runs, Bryan Hudson was tapped to start Tuesday's duel against the Cubs. He gave up a pair of homers in his opening inning before he turned it over to Erick Fedde for 4 2/3 innings of scoreless work. In the end, Huascar Brazobán and his one-third of an inning would be enough to lose Fedde the bid for the win and allow Alex Bregman to walk things off in the ninth.
Sean Newcomb opened the last game at Wrigley. He earned one more inning than Hudson did the day prior, keeping the game scoreless before turning things over to the bulk reliever. The strategy worked well for the White Sox, with José Urquidy going six innings and striking out eight Cubbies en route to a 3-0 victory to avoid a sweep. Sometimes veterans still have some of that young stud left in them. It's nice when they allow it to peak out in-between the past-their-prime outings.
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#white #fedde #week
So much so that when Will Venable was asked this week what the plan was for the North Side portion of the Crosstown Classic, he told reporters there wasn't one. I am no idiot. I know this was likely a half-truth. There had to be concepts of a plan. That plan was "The Opener."
Following a loss that was lead off by and ended by Pete Crow-Armstrong home runs, Bryan Hudson was tapped to start Tuesday's duel against the Cubs. He gave up a pair of homers in his opening inning before he turned it over to Erick Fedde for 4 2/3 innings of scoreless work. In the end, Huascar Brazobán and his one-third of an inning would be enough to lose Fedde the bid for the win and allow Alex Bregman to walk things off in the ninth.
Sean Newcomb opened the last game at Wrigley. He earned one more inning than Hudson did the day prior, keeping the game scoreless before turning things over to the bulk reliever. The strategy worked well for the White Sox, with José Urquidy going six innings and striking out eight Cubbies en route to a 3-0 victory to avoid a sweep. Sometimes veterans still have some of that young stud left in them. It's nice when they allow it to peak out in-between the past-their-prime outings.
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#white #fedde #week
2 months ago
Today was the much-anticipated debut of Mariners pitching prospect Kade Anderson, but it was a more familiar face who stole the show. Randy Arozarena bookeneded the game with a pair of homers, peppering in a dramatic home run robbery and a clutch infield single, to deliver the Mariners an improbable 5-4 win, meanwhile racking up one of the highest WPAs I've ever seen for a position player in a single game: 1.08. It's not Brandon Crawford's seven-hit game from 2016, but it's gotta be up there. Arozarena, in his free agency year, is having his best season by wRC+ as a big-league regular: 138 before today's game is factored in. He's been the most valuable Mariner in 2026 offensively, and has contributed to more than his fair share of wins while the rest of the team has struggled through injury and doldrums. He's also been the author of more than his fair share of miscues, some outfield defense that at times looks indifferent, and an occasional inattention (like missing the team photo) that makes you wonder what planet Randy is living on.
The answer: Planet Randy. It's Randy's planet. And like Taylor Swift, he makes the rules. Today, Randy decided to orbit himself directly in front of what looked like a surefire Cubs win, repelling Chicago and their hefty dose of fans packed into a sellout crowd at T-Mobile Park and instead delivering the Mariners a series win. It might have been Kade Anderson **** p Day, but it was Randy Arozarena Precession Day (this is a science term that my science friend says means when a planet **** ps how it spins on its axis. I am **** ured the joke works.).
Kade Anderson was as advertised in the first inning, living around the strike zone and challenging hitters. He got his first big-league out on his first big-league pitch, tempting Pete Crow-Armstrong into making weak contact on a well-located heater for an easy pop out. He struggled a little after that with locating the curve, and got into a long battle with Alex Bregman before getting him to chase after a changeup for his first big-league strikeout:
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With the warm-up act out of the way, it was time for Planet Randy to take the stage. Arozarena gave his rookie pitcher some run support right away, jumping on the first pitch he saw from lefty David Peterson and driving it into a packed T-Mobile 'Pen: 105.3 mph and 416 feet for Randy's 18th on the season.
#randy #arozarena #kade #league
The answer: Planet Randy. It's Randy's planet. And like Taylor Swift, he makes the rules. Today, Randy decided to orbit himself directly in front of what looked like a surefire Cubs win, repelling Chicago and their hefty dose of fans packed into a sellout crowd at T-Mobile Park and instead delivering the Mariners a series win. It might have been Kade Anderson **** p Day, but it was Randy Arozarena Precession Day (this is a science term that my science friend says means when a planet **** ps how it spins on its axis. I am **** ured the joke works.).
Kade Anderson was as advertised in the first inning, living around the strike zone and challenging hitters. He got his first big-league out on his first big-league pitch, tempting Pete Crow-Armstrong into making weak contact on a well-located heater for an easy pop out. He struggled a little after that with locating the curve, and got into a long battle with Alex Bregman before getting him to chase after a changeup for his first big-league strikeout:
Your browser does not support the video tag. Download the video.
With the warm-up act out of the way, it was time for Planet Randy to take the stage. Arozarena gave his rookie pitcher some run support right away, jumping on the first pitch he saw from lefty David Peterson and driving it into a packed T-Mobile 'Pen: 105.3 mph and 416 feet for Randy's 18th on the season.
#randy #arozarena #kade #league
2 months ago
Rafael Devers returned to Fenway Park on Friday for the first time since the Boston Red Sox traded him to the San Francisco Giants in June 2025.
Since Devers' relationship with the Red Sox, particularly with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, didn't end particularly well, it could be reasonably ******* umed that fans might not greet the three-time All-Star warmly.
But he received a mixed reaction from the Fenway crowd with boos largely overpowering cheers during pregame introductions and when he took his first at-bat. Batting second in the Giants' lineup, Devers struck out looking on four pitches from Boston starter Sonny Gray.
Resentments understandably linger after Devers was traded largely because of the tension he created by refusing to move from third base to designated hitter when Boston signed Alex Bregman as a free agent. But with Bregman being a far superior defensive player, Devers eventually ceded and played at DH.
However, the possibility of switching positions came up again when first baseman Triston Casas ruptured his patellar tendon and the Red Sox needed someone to replace him at the position. Devers seemed a natural fit as a defensively challenged slugger. But he balked at being asked again to play another position during the season.
#bregman #time
Since Devers' relationship with the Red Sox, particularly with chief baseball officer Craig Breslow, didn't end particularly well, it could be reasonably ******* umed that fans might not greet the three-time All-Star warmly.
But he received a mixed reaction from the Fenway crowd with boos largely overpowering cheers during pregame introductions and when he took his first at-bat. Batting second in the Giants' lineup, Devers struck out looking on four pitches from Boston starter Sonny Gray.
Resentments understandably linger after Devers was traded largely because of the tension he created by refusing to move from third base to designated hitter when Boston signed Alex Bregman as a free agent. But with Bregman being a far superior defensive player, Devers eventually ceded and played at DH.
However, the possibility of switching positions came up again when first baseman Triston Casas ruptured his patellar tendon and the Red Sox needed someone to replace him at the position. Devers seemed a natural fit as a defensively challenged slugger. But he balked at being asked again to play another position during the season.
#bregman #time
2 months ago
Matthew Liberatore was his best self Friday afternoon as the St. Louis Cardinals entered the gauntlet of Wrigley Field to play the Cubs for the start of a crucial weekend series. The problem was that Cubs starter Clay Holmes was even better. The first 2/3 of the game was a scoreless and nearly hitless duel. Wheels would start to come off for the Cardinals in that last third of the game, though.
There are no offensive highlights to share with you from the first half of the game. However, there were a couple of defensive gems provided by the middle infield of the Cardinals. In the bottom of the 4th inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong was robbed by Masyn Winn. ROBBED!
The very next batter Suzuki was also denied base access, this time by future Gold Glove second baseman JJ Wetherholt. ROBBED AGAIN!
The Cubs would threaten to break through the scoring drought in the bottom of the 6th inning when Liberatore handed out a leadoff walk to Taylor. Dansby Swanson singled to center which gave Chicago runners at first and third with no outs. Matthew was able to get PCA to foul out to third for the first out, but that would be the end of Liberatore's strong outing Friday. George Soriano was brought in to face Suzuki. During his at-bat, Swanson stole second giving the Cubs two runners in scoring position. The stolen base wouldn't matter as Suzuki connected on an 88 mph changeup as it cleared the wall in left field traveling 390 feet and giving Chicago a 3-0 lead.
The Chicago Cubs 6th inning wasn't over yet as Soriano followed the Suzuki homer with a walk to Alex Bregman and a single to Michael Busch still with just one out. Fortunately, JJ Wetherholt and Masyn Winn combined on a double play on a grounder from Nico ******* ner to end the inning with the damage already being done. The final stat line for Matthew Liberatore would look less impressive than the eye test where he looked extremely sharp for the first 5 innings. Matthew tossed 5 1/3 innings striking out 6 and only walking 1, but those 2 earned runs that crossed the plate along with the 1 Soriano was responsible for were a killer.
#matthew #suzuki #cardinals #inning
There are no offensive highlights to share with you from the first half of the game. However, there were a couple of defensive gems provided by the middle infield of the Cardinals. In the bottom of the 4th inning, Pete Crow-Armstrong was robbed by Masyn Winn. ROBBED!
The very next batter Suzuki was also denied base access, this time by future Gold Glove second baseman JJ Wetherholt. ROBBED AGAIN!
The Cubs would threaten to break through the scoring drought in the bottom of the 6th inning when Liberatore handed out a leadoff walk to Taylor. Dansby Swanson singled to center which gave Chicago runners at first and third with no outs. Matthew was able to get PCA to foul out to third for the first out, but that would be the end of Liberatore's strong outing Friday. George Soriano was brought in to face Suzuki. During his at-bat, Swanson stole second giving the Cubs two runners in scoring position. The stolen base wouldn't matter as Suzuki connected on an 88 mph changeup as it cleared the wall in left field traveling 390 feet and giving Chicago a 3-0 lead.
The Chicago Cubs 6th inning wasn't over yet as Soriano followed the Suzuki homer with a walk to Alex Bregman and a single to Michael Busch still with just one out. Fortunately, JJ Wetherholt and Masyn Winn combined on a double play on a grounder from Nico ******* ner to end the inning with the damage already being done. The final stat line for Matthew Liberatore would look less impressive than the eye test where he looked extremely sharp for the first 5 innings. Matthew tossed 5 1/3 innings striking out 6 and only walking 1, but those 2 earned runs that crossed the plate along with the 1 Soriano was responsible for were a killer.
#matthew #suzuki #cardinals #inning
2 months ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong, Alex Bregman and Seiya Suzuki homered, and the Chicago Cubs rallied from an early deficit to beat the Washington Nationals 8-6 on Tuesday night.
Crow-Armstrong's third-inning shot, his 27th, hit the facade of the third deck in right field, traveling an estimated 437 feet.
Bregman hit his 13th homer and finished 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Suzuki hit his 20th in the eighth inning to make it 8-4.
The Cubs (70-50) improved to a season-best 20 games over .500. They were 34-34 on June 10 but have gone 36-16 since, and they have a commanding lead in the NL wild-card race.
All-Star CJ Abrams hit a two-run homer in the first inning for Washington, his 29th, and Jacob Young went deep in the second, his 10th, to give the Nationals a 3-1 lead. Dylan Crews also hit his 10th homer for Washington.
#washington #bregman #Cubs
Crow-Armstrong's third-inning shot, his 27th, hit the facade of the third deck in right field, traveling an estimated 437 feet.
Bregman hit his 13th homer and finished 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Suzuki hit his 20th in the eighth inning to make it 8-4.
The Cubs (70-50) improved to a season-best 20 games over .500. They were 34-34 on June 10 but have gone 36-16 since, and they have a commanding lead in the NL wild-card race.
All-Star CJ Abrams hit a two-run homer in the first inning for Washington, his 29th, and Jacob Young went deep in the second, his 10th, to give the Nationals a 3-1 lead. Dylan Crews also hit his 10th homer for Washington.
#washington #bregman #Cubs
2 months ago
The Nats got their second sweep of the season this weekend. Now they will look to build off that this week. That will be tough against a Cubs team that has been playing great baseball the past couple of months. Pete Crow-Armstrong in particular is performing at an absurd level.
With a lefty on the mound, the platoon heavy Nats have a lot of righties in the lineup. Dylan Crews will lead off while Andres Chaparro hits second and plays first. After not playing much this weekend, Andrew Pinckney will get the start in left field. Brady House and Harry Ford also return to the lineup. Jake Irvin will be on the mound tonight for his first home start since mid-May.
As mentioned, Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a monster at the top of the Cubs lineup. However, there is also plenty of depth as well. The likes of Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman feature in the middle of the order. Even at the bottom of the order the Cubs have an established veteran in Dansby Swanson. The Cubs have **** anese lefty Shota Imanaga on the mound.
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#armstrong #second
With a lefty on the mound, the platoon heavy Nats have a lot of righties in the lineup. Dylan Crews will lead off while Andres Chaparro hits second and plays first. After not playing much this weekend, Andrew Pinckney will get the start in left field. Brady House and Harry Ford also return to the lineup. Jake Irvin will be on the mound tonight for his first home start since mid-May.
As mentioned, Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a monster at the top of the Cubs lineup. However, there is also plenty of depth as well. The likes of Seiya Suzuki and Alex Bregman feature in the middle of the order. Even at the bottom of the order the Cubs have an established veteran in Dansby Swanson. The Cubs have **** anese lefty Shota Imanaga on the mound.
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#armstrong #second
3 months ago
The Chicago Cubs denied the Los Angeles Dodgers' late comeback attempt on Wednesday, completing a three-game sweep over the World Series champions.
Shohei Ohtani hit his 29th leadoff home run as a Dodger to kick off the game, rising to No. 2 in the Dodgers' all-time leaderboard. He now only trails Mookie Betts by three homers in that ranking, and will certainly catch up to him if he maintains his spot at the top of the order.
Eric Lauer started the game for the Dodgers, looking to maintain his spotless record since becoming a Dodger, but didn't do himself any favors, allowing six runs during his four-inning outing.
The Cubs immediately tied the game in the bottom of the first inning, as Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a leadoff homer of his own. They scored two more times in the bottom of the second inning, as Dansby Swanson and Crow-Armstrong both hit RBI doubles to take the lead.
Crow-Armstrong got to Lauer again in the bottom of the fourth, hitting his second home run of the day—this time scoring two runs to make the score 5-1. Lauer allowed a double to Seiya Suzuki immediately after, and Alex Bregman singled him home to further extend the lead.
#home #inning #Cubs
Shohei Ohtani hit his 29th leadoff home run as a Dodger to kick off the game, rising to No. 2 in the Dodgers' all-time leaderboard. He now only trails Mookie Betts by three homers in that ranking, and will certainly catch up to him if he maintains his spot at the top of the order.
Eric Lauer started the game for the Dodgers, looking to maintain his spotless record since becoming a Dodger, but didn't do himself any favors, allowing six runs during his four-inning outing.
The Cubs immediately tied the game in the bottom of the first inning, as Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a leadoff homer of his own. They scored two more times in the bottom of the second inning, as Dansby Swanson and Crow-Armstrong both hit RBI doubles to take the lead.
Crow-Armstrong got to Lauer again in the bottom of the fourth, hitting his second home run of the day—this time scoring two runs to make the score 5-1. Lauer allowed a double to Seiya Suzuki immediately after, and Alex Bregman singled him home to further extend the lead.
#home #inning #Cubs
3 months ago
Shohei Ohtani tattooed the seventh pitch of Wednesday's series finale between his Los Angeles Dodgers and the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. With an exit velocity of 110.2 mph, the ball jumped off his bat and whipped over the right-field wall.
Pete Crow-Armstrong, a contender to dethrone Ohtani as the National League's MVP, answered in the bottom half of the inning with some leadoff fireworks of his own.
PCA teed off on the first pitch Dodgers southpaw Eric Lauer tossed, a 90.2-mph four-seam fastball. His game-tying solo shot soared 420 feet to center. It also made him the first player in Cubs history to mount consecutive seasons with at least 25 homers and 25 stolen bases, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Crow-Armstrong's response, and MVP case, didn't end there. The next inning, he ripped an RBI double that bounced off the right-field wall. Two innings after that, in the fourth, he launched another big fly off Lauer. That two-run dinger traveled 405 feet, again to right. The no-doubter lifted Chicago to a 5-1 advantage. Soon after, an RBI single from Alex Bregman extended that lead to 6-1.
Crow-Armstrong, who entered the day leading all MLB players in wins above replacement (7.0), per Baseball Reference, showcased his massive improvement against left-handed pitching this season.
#ohtani #Dodgers #Chicago #lauer
Pete Crow-Armstrong, a contender to dethrone Ohtani as the National League's MVP, answered in the bottom half of the inning with some leadoff fireworks of his own.
PCA teed off on the first pitch Dodgers southpaw Eric Lauer tossed, a 90.2-mph four-seam fastball. His game-tying solo shot soared 420 feet to center. It also made him the first player in Cubs history to mount consecutive seasons with at least 25 homers and 25 stolen bases, according to ESPN's Jesse Rogers.
Crow-Armstrong's response, and MVP case, didn't end there. The next inning, he ripped an RBI double that bounced off the right-field wall. Two innings after that, in the fourth, he launched another big fly off Lauer. That two-run dinger traveled 405 feet, again to right. The no-doubter lifted Chicago to a 5-1 advantage. Soon after, an RBI single from Alex Bregman extended that lead to 6-1.
Crow-Armstrong, who entered the day leading all MLB players in wins above replacement (7.0), per Baseball Reference, showcased his massive improvement against left-handed pitching this season.
#ohtani #Dodgers #Chicago #lauer
3 months ago
CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs spoiled Tarik Skubal's debut with the slumping Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, posting a 5-1 victory behind key RBI singles by Nico ******* ner and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Dansby Swanson connected for a solo homer as Chicago won for the third time in four games.
Skubal permitted two runs and four hits over six innings in his first start since he was acquired in a trade with Detroit on Saturday night. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner threw 85 pitches, 51 for strikes.
Kyle Tucker homered for Los Angeles, which finished with four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. It's the longest slide for the Dodgers since they also dropped five in a row in early September last year.
With two out and runners at the corners in the sixth, ******* ner hit a high chopper to the right of the mound. Alex Bregman scampered home on the infield single, giving Chicago a 2-1 lead.
#four #night
Dansby Swanson connected for a solo homer as Chicago won for the third time in four games.
Skubal permitted two runs and four hits over six innings in his first start since he was acquired in a trade with Detroit on Saturday night. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner threw 85 pitches, 51 for strikes.
Kyle Tucker homered for Los Angeles, which finished with four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. It's the longest slide for the Dodgers since they also dropped five in a row in early September last year.
With two out and runners at the corners in the sixth, ******* ner hit a high chopper to the right of the mound. Alex Bregman scampered home on the infield single, giving Chicago a 2-1 lead.
#four #night
3 months ago
CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Cubs spoiled Tarik Skubal's debut with the slumping Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday night, posting a 5-1 victory behind key RBI singles by Nico ******* ner and Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Dansby Swanson connected for a solo homer as Chicago won for the third time in four games.
Skubal permitted two runs and four hits over six innings in his first start since he was acquired in a trade with Detroit on Saturday night. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner threw 85 pitches, 51 for strikes.
Kyle Tucker homered for Los Angeles, which finished with four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. It's the longest slide for the Dodgers since they also dropped five in a row in early September last year.
With two out and runners at the corners in the sixth, ******* ner hit a high chopper to the right of the mound. Alex Bregman scampered home on the infield single, giving Chicago a 2-1 lead.
#four #Dodgers #hits #since
Dansby Swanson connected for a solo homer as Chicago won for the third time in four games.
Skubal permitted two runs and four hits over six innings in his first start since he was acquired in a trade with Detroit on Saturday night. The two-time AL Cy Young Award winner threw 85 pitches, 51 for strikes.
Kyle Tucker homered for Los Angeles, which finished with four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. It's the longest slide for the Dodgers since they also dropped five in a row in early September last year.
With two out and runners at the corners in the sixth, ******* ner hit a high chopper to the right of the mound. Alex Bregman scampered home on the infield single, giving Chicago a 2-1 lead.
#four #Dodgers #hits #since
3 months ago
Tarik Skubal had a perfectly fine Dodgers debut with six strikeouts in six strong innings. But the Dodgers couldn't score much at all, while the Cubs offense did just enough off Skubal then teed off on the bullpen in a 5-1 win at Wrigley Field, the season-worst fifth straight loss for the Dodgers.
Skubal allowed a home run to Dansby Swanson in the third inning, his only hit allowed the first time through the order. He struck out six, finishing off two of them with changeups, two more with four-seam fastballs, and one each with his sinker and curveball.
Dodgers defenders made several sharp plays behind Skubal, including two sliding catches in the outfield by Andy Pages and one by Kyle Tucker through the first three innings.
But in the sixth inning, a fly ball to deep right field by Alex Bregman that Tucker appeared to have a beat on simply dropped behind him for a double instead of an out. That put two runners in scoring position with one out. Tommy Edman with the infield in snagged a grounder and threw home to prevent a run from scoring, but a Baltimore chop in the infield into no-man's land behind the mound to second base fell for a Nico Horner single to score the go-ahead run.
Skubal was only at 85 pitches through six innings, but that was it for him, albeit after a stressful sixth inning, even with the bottom of the Cubs order due up in the seventh.
#innings #field #score #allowed
Skubal allowed a home run to Dansby Swanson in the third inning, his only hit allowed the first time through the order. He struck out six, finishing off two of them with changeups, two more with four-seam fastballs, and one each with his sinker and curveball.
Dodgers defenders made several sharp plays behind Skubal, including two sliding catches in the outfield by Andy Pages and one by Kyle Tucker through the first three innings.
But in the sixth inning, a fly ball to deep right field by Alex Bregman that Tucker appeared to have a beat on simply dropped behind him for a double instead of an out. That put two runners in scoring position with one out. Tommy Edman with the infield in snagged a grounder and threw home to prevent a run from scoring, but a Baltimore chop in the infield into no-man's land behind the mound to second base fell for a Nico Horner single to score the go-ahead run.
Skubal was only at 85 pitches through six innings, but that was it for him, albeit after a stressful sixth inning, even with the bottom of the Cubs order due up in the seventh.
#innings #field #score #allowed
3 months ago
The Yankees blew a late lead against the Chicago Cubs to even the series following their 5-2 loss on Saturday night.
-- In his third start since returning from the IL due to a bone bruise in his left elbow, Max Fried was dominant over 5.1 innings. His only blemish came in the first inning after a leadoff walk to Pete Crow-Armstrong was followed by two wild pitches that sandwiched a groundout that advanced the runner to third base and scored the game's first run without a hit.
From there, the left-hander didn't allow a baserunner until Alex Bregman gave the Cubs their first hit with a one-out single in the fourth. However, Fried easily disposed of the next two batters to end the inning unharmed.
-- It was the next half inning that the bottom of the Yankees' lineup helped their starting pitcher out and got on the board to tie things up.
After two quick outs, Spencer Jones reached base on a fielding error by first baseman Michael Busch. That opening allowed the next batter, Ali Sanchez, to sneak one through the right side for a base hit before Jose Caballero capped the two-out rally with a run-scoring single to right field.
#next
-- In his third start since returning from the IL due to a bone bruise in his left elbow, Max Fried was dominant over 5.1 innings. His only blemish came in the first inning after a leadoff walk to Pete Crow-Armstrong was followed by two wild pitches that sandwiched a groundout that advanced the runner to third base and scored the game's first run without a hit.
From there, the left-hander didn't allow a baserunner until Alex Bregman gave the Cubs their first hit with a one-out single in the fourth. However, Fried easily disposed of the next two batters to end the inning unharmed.
-- It was the next half inning that the bottom of the Yankees' lineup helped their starting pitcher out and got on the board to tie things up.
After two quick outs, Spencer Jones reached base on a fielding error by first baseman Michael Busch. That opening allowed the next batter, Ali Sanchez, to sneak one through the right side for a base hit before Jose Caballero capped the two-out rally with a run-scoring single to right field.
#next
3 months ago
Thursday's afternoon game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs can be described with two words: missed opportunities. Runners in scoring position not realized would be a problem for both the Cardianls and Cubs. Andre Pallante kept the Cubs relatively quiet, but would he get enough offensive support for a win? So many questions.
The St. Louis Cardinals were the first to score Thursday in the bottom of the 2nd inning when Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn drew one-out walks. That brought up Bryan Torres who singled to left scoring Nootbaar and giving the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead. That run would unfortunately be all St. Louis could manage in the bottom of the 2nd as Blaze Jordan and Nathan Church left runners in scoring position.
The Chicago Cubs tied the game in the top of the 4th inning when Alex Bregman slammed a one-out double. He would score when Lars Nootbaar forgot there was only one out when Ian Happ flew out to right allowing Bregman to score. File this under mistakes the St. Louis Cardinals cannot afford to make, but stuff happens and that tied the game at 1-1.
Both the Cardinals and Cubs would have opportunities to score in the middle innings, but no results until the top of the 7th inning when Dansby Swanson drew a one-out walk. That would end Andre Pallante's day. By the way, if you didn't see Masyn Winn's play in the top of the 7th inning on a ball to deep short, it might be his best play of the year so far.
George Soriano would enter the game and be greeted by Swanson stealing second base. After Pete Crow-Armstrong struck out (a moment all of Cardinals Nation enjoys), Suzuki walked followed by a two-out single by Michael Busch scoring Swanson and giving the Cubs a brief 2-1 lead. Very brief.
#inning #Chicago
The St. Louis Cardinals were the first to score Thursday in the bottom of the 2nd inning when Lars Nootbaar and Masyn Winn drew one-out walks. That brought up Bryan Torres who singled to left scoring Nootbaar and giving the Cardinals an early 1-0 lead. That run would unfortunately be all St. Louis could manage in the bottom of the 2nd as Blaze Jordan and Nathan Church left runners in scoring position.
The Chicago Cubs tied the game in the top of the 4th inning when Alex Bregman slammed a one-out double. He would score when Lars Nootbaar forgot there was only one out when Ian Happ flew out to right allowing Bregman to score. File this under mistakes the St. Louis Cardinals cannot afford to make, but stuff happens and that tied the game at 1-1.
Both the Cardinals and Cubs would have opportunities to score in the middle innings, but no results until the top of the 7th inning when Dansby Swanson drew a one-out walk. That would end Andre Pallante's day. By the way, if you didn't see Masyn Winn's play in the top of the 7th inning on a ball to deep short, it might be his best play of the year so far.
George Soriano would enter the game and be greeted by Swanson stealing second base. After Pete Crow-Armstrong struck out (a moment all of Cardinals Nation enjoys), Suzuki walked followed by a two-out single by Michael Busch scoring Swanson and giving the Cubs a brief 2-1 lead. Very brief.
#inning #Chicago
3 months ago
Trying to describe what happened when the St. Louis Cardinals played a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs Tuesday night is like trying to explain what it looked like when you see a dumpster on fire. It wasn't pretty, but it happened so let's begin.
The Chicago Cubs made St. Louis Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy look like a batting practice pitcher. It started out promising enough (for the first out, anyway) when Pete Crow-Armstrong struck out gloriously. From there, it was downhill at blazing speed. I'll keep this as brief as possible. Suzuki singled. Two batters later, Bregman hit a ground rule double then Ian Happ hit a double which made it 2-0 Cubs before most of the Busch Stadium crowd had even taken their seat.
The top of the 2nd inning was worse. So much worse. Conforto singled. Kelly walked. Two batters later, PCA hit a sacrifice fly then Suzuki doubled, Busch singled, Bregman singled, Happ walked, then Nico ******* ner singled to right. By the time the carnage was over, it was 7-0 Cubs. Even the all-you-can-eat Busch Stadium food deal isn't enough to redeem this type of experience. Michael McGreevy didn't even finish the 2nd inning. That was Gordon Graceffo's job and, to his credit, he kept the Cubs from piling on any more runs until he was replaced by Justin Bruihl in the top of the 5th inning.
The Cardinals would manage to scrounge around for a run in the bottom of the 4th inning when they loaded the bases with an Alec Burleson walk, a Nootbaar infield single, a Masyn Winn single and a Nathan Church sacrifice fly with the bases loaded slightly reducing the humiliation making it 7-1 Cubs.
The Cubs were determined to squash whatever faint hopes the Cardinals might have managed with that menial 1-run bottom of the 4th by grabbing another run in the top of the 5th inning when Nico ******* ner walked then stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch by Justin Bruihl and then scored on an infield single from Ramirez restoring the 7-run lead making it 8-1 Chicago. The Cubs added another run in the top of the 8th to make it 9-1 and another in the top of the 9th to make it 10-1, but who really cares? Oh, the Cardinals did add a run in the bottom of the 9th inning when Masyn Winn doubled in Lars Nootbaar who had walked to make the final score 10-2, but we still don't care.
#even
The Chicago Cubs made St. Louis Cardinals starter Michael McGreevy look like a batting practice pitcher. It started out promising enough (for the first out, anyway) when Pete Crow-Armstrong struck out gloriously. From there, it was downhill at blazing speed. I'll keep this as brief as possible. Suzuki singled. Two batters later, Bregman hit a ground rule double then Ian Happ hit a double which made it 2-0 Cubs before most of the Busch Stadium crowd had even taken their seat.
The top of the 2nd inning was worse. So much worse. Conforto singled. Kelly walked. Two batters later, PCA hit a sacrifice fly then Suzuki doubled, Busch singled, Bregman singled, Happ walked, then Nico ******* ner singled to right. By the time the carnage was over, it was 7-0 Cubs. Even the all-you-can-eat Busch Stadium food deal isn't enough to redeem this type of experience. Michael McGreevy didn't even finish the 2nd inning. That was Gordon Graceffo's job and, to his credit, he kept the Cubs from piling on any more runs until he was replaced by Justin Bruihl in the top of the 5th inning.
The Cardinals would manage to scrounge around for a run in the bottom of the 4th inning when they loaded the bases with an Alec Burleson walk, a Nootbaar infield single, a Masyn Winn single and a Nathan Church sacrifice fly with the bases loaded slightly reducing the humiliation making it 7-1 Cubs.
The Cubs were determined to squash whatever faint hopes the Cardinals might have managed with that menial 1-run bottom of the 4th by grabbing another run in the top of the 5th inning when Nico ******* ner walked then stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch by Justin Bruihl and then scored on an infield single from Ramirez restoring the 7-run lead making it 8-1 Chicago. The Cubs added another run in the top of the 8th to make it 9-1 and another in the top of the 9th to make it 10-1, but who really cares? Oh, the Cardinals did add a run in the bottom of the 9th inning when Masyn Winn doubled in Lars Nootbaar who had walked to make the final score 10-2, but we still don't care.
#even
3 months ago
ST. LOUIS (AP) — Alex Bregman had a homer, two doubles and drove in two runs to lead the Chicago Cubs to a 7-3 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday night.
Bregman had sat out Sunday's game in Pittsburgh after going hitless in his previous three games. Against the Cardinals, he snapped out of an 0-for-12 slump with four hits and scored three runs in a game that was delayed an hour and 46 at the start due to rain.
Nico ****** ner also had four hits, including a two-run homer in the ninth as the Cubs banged out 14 hits in the win.
David Peterson (6-7) worked 5 2/3 innings and earned the win. The 30-year-old left-hander, who was acquired on June 25 from the New York Mets, struck out two and allowed two runs on three hits and two walks.
Matthew Liberatore (5-8) was tagged for three runs on eight hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.
#hits #Cubs #homer
Bregman had sat out Sunday's game in Pittsburgh after going hitless in his previous three games. Against the Cardinals, he snapped out of an 0-for-12 slump with four hits and scored three runs in a game that was delayed an hour and 46 at the start due to rain.
Nico ****** ner also had four hits, including a two-run homer in the ninth as the Cubs banged out 14 hits in the win.
David Peterson (6-7) worked 5 2/3 innings and earned the win. The 30-year-old left-hander, who was acquired on June 25 from the New York Mets, struck out two and allowed two runs on three hits and two walks.
Matthew Liberatore (5-8) was tagged for three runs on eight hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.
#hits #Cubs #homer
3 months ago
The St. Louis Cardinals entered Monday night's game against the Chicago Cubs with an urgent need to turn their recent downward spiral around. The Chicago Cubs and specifically their bats seemed determined to not allow that to happen.
Matthew Liberatore started the game for the Cardinals who planned to piggyback his start with Hunter Dobbins for the final half of the game. David Peterson, who the Cardinals hit hard in their last encounter, made that seem like a distant memory as he held St. Louis and their struggling offense to a minimum of opportunities.
The Cubs scored on Matthew Liberatore in each of the first 3 innings. In the top of the 1st inning, Liberatore walked Pete Crow-Armstrong, but then picked him off of first to the delight of the "Tarps Off" crowd in right field. Chicago got the last laugh, though, as Suzuki and Bregman hit back-to-back doubles giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
Chicago would score again in the top of the 2nd inning as Nico ****** ner led off with a single. After Ian Happ struck out, Dansby Swanson singled giving Chicago runners at first and second with just one out. Amaya then smacked a single to right doubling the Cubs lead to 2-0.
The Cardinals would get one run back in the bottom of the 2nd inning when José Fermín would become the Fermínator muscling up for a 407 foot shot into Big Mac Land reducing the Cubs lead to 2-1.
#liberatore #game #lead
Matthew Liberatore started the game for the Cardinals who planned to piggyback his start with Hunter Dobbins for the final half of the game. David Peterson, who the Cardinals hit hard in their last encounter, made that seem like a distant memory as he held St. Louis and their struggling offense to a minimum of opportunities.
The Cubs scored on Matthew Liberatore in each of the first 3 innings. In the top of the 1st inning, Liberatore walked Pete Crow-Armstrong, but then picked him off of first to the delight of the "Tarps Off" crowd in right field. Chicago got the last laugh, though, as Suzuki and Bregman hit back-to-back doubles giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
Chicago would score again in the top of the 2nd inning as Nico ****** ner led off with a single. After Ian Happ struck out, Dansby Swanson singled giving Chicago runners at first and second with just one out. Amaya then smacked a single to right doubling the Cubs lead to 2-0.
The Cardinals would get one run back in the bottom of the 2nd inning when José Fermín would become the Fermínator muscling up for a 407 foot shot into Big Mac Land reducing the Cubs lead to 2-1.
#liberatore #game #lead
3 months ago
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 15: Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer speaks to the media during a press conference o introduce Alex Bregman (not pictured) at Wrigley Field on January 15, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images)
With the trade deadline looming at the beginning of next month, the Chicago Cubs made a significant move that seems designed to protect their outfield depth for the stretch run.
The Cubs entered the week firmly in the postseason picture and are expected to be active buyers before the deadline. While much of the attention has focused on potential impact additions for the pitching staff, the front office quietly addressed another area of concern by adding a former first-round outfielder who was recently cut loose by a fierce division rival.
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
That move became official this week when Chicago quietly signed former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Greg Jones to a minor-league contract.
#Cubs #illinois #january #week
With the trade deadline looming at the beginning of next month, the Chicago Cubs made a significant move that seems designed to protect their outfield depth for the stretch run.
The Cubs entered the week firmly in the postseason picture and are expected to be active buyers before the deadline. While much of the attention has focused on potential impact additions for the pitching staff, the front office quietly addressed another area of concern by adding a former first-round outfielder who was recently cut loose by a fierce division rival.
ESPN Veteran Addresses Pat McAfee-Linked Layoffs After Phillies, Dodgers Game
That move became official this week when Chicago quietly signed former Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Greg Jones to a minor-league contract.
#Cubs #illinois #january #week
3 months ago
CINCINNATI — Alex Bregman described the Chicago Cubs' first half of the season Saturday as a time of "some high highs and some low lows," which sounds about right.
It was highlighted by a pair of 10-game win streaks, an MVP-caliber performance by Pete Crow-Armstrong, the emergence of Ben Brown as a primetime starter and the continued defensive excellence that has been the team's hallmark under manager Craig Counsell. Ten walk-off wins, a 23-run outburst featuring eight home runs and a PCA cycle were all binge-worthy moments.
The low points included the devastating loss of Cade Horton, the nonstop march of pitching injuries, the 10-game losing streak, a prolonged offensive slump by Dansby Swanson and an early power outage by Bregman, the team's biggest offseason acquisition.
There was even a cameo appearance by a well-fed rat at Wrigley Field in April, which forced a team spokesman to **** ure fans the Cubs "take the health and safety of our guests seriously." Rat aside, the mental health of Cubs fans was almost always in question, thanks to a team that went from ridiculously good to unquestionably bad and then back to good again.
The Cubs finished things up Sunday with a victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, ending the first half with a bang.
It was highlighted by a pair of 10-game win streaks, an MVP-caliber performance by Pete Crow-Armstrong, the emergence of Ben Brown as a primetime starter and the continued defensive excellence that has been the team's hallmark under manager Craig Counsell. Ten walk-off wins, a 23-run outburst featuring eight home runs and a PCA cycle were all binge-worthy moments.
The low points included the devastating loss of Cade Horton, the nonstop march of pitching injuries, the 10-game losing streak, a prolonged offensive slump by Dansby Swanson and an early power outage by Bregman, the team's biggest offseason acquisition.
There was even a cameo appearance by a well-fed rat at Wrigley Field in April, which forced a team spokesman to **** ure fans the Cubs "take the health and safety of our guests seriously." Rat aside, the mental health of Cubs fans was almost always in question, thanks to a team that went from ridiculously good to unquestionably bad and then back to good again.
The Cubs finished things up Sunday with a victory over the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ballpark, ending the first half with a bang.
3 months ago
So, it turns out the Cubs are no slouches after all. And though it’s their offense that’s supposed to be a team strength, today the Most Cub-Like Player had to have been the starter, Matthew Boyd. The lefty hounded the Orioles all night, the way you thought a crafty lefty might. Through six innings, Baltimore had no runs and just three hits—a single apiece by Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson and Pete Alonso—off the 2025 All-Star, who was mixing up speeds and locations. That’s no way to win a ballgame.
You can’t be too mad at a Shane Baz quality start (six innings, three runs) against MLB’s second-best offense. But his team gave him no help at all.
Rain delayed first pitch by an hour, so we kicked off bravely at the pretty regular hour of 7:30 ET. It didn’t appear to faze the Orioles starter, Baz, who confronted the Cubs with confidence, attacking the zone.
For two innings it kinda worked! Baz had a strong first inning, striking out the mighty Pete Crow-Armstrong with high heat before retiring Alex Bregman and Michael Busch on two quick flyouts. In the second, he allowed lots of noisy contact, including to outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who skied a ball deep to center, 383 feet away, 106 mph off the bat.
Despite keeping things scoreless, so many hard hits augured poorly for Baz in the third. Considering, it could have gone worse. With two outs, Miguel Amaya walked and Crow-Armstrong singled to center before Alex Bregman got a hanging Baz knuckle curve and singled home the Cubs’ first run. A concerned O’s pitching staff checked on Baz, but the damage wouldn’t go any further. It took a popout with the bases loaded to get Baz out of trouble, though.
You can’t be too mad at a Shane Baz quality start (six innings, three runs) against MLB’s second-best offense. But his team gave him no help at all.
Rain delayed first pitch by an hour, so we kicked off bravely at the pretty regular hour of 7:30 ET. It didn’t appear to faze the Orioles starter, Baz, who confronted the Cubs with confidence, attacking the zone.
For two innings it kinda worked! Baz had a strong first inning, striking out the mighty Pete Crow-Armstrong with high heat before retiring Alex Bregman and Michael Busch on two quick flyouts. In the second, he allowed lots of noisy contact, including to outfielder Seiya Suzuki, who skied a ball deep to center, 383 feet away, 106 mph off the bat.
Despite keeping things scoreless, so many hard hits augured poorly for Baz in the third. Considering, it could have gone worse. With two outs, Miguel Amaya walked and Crow-Armstrong singled to center before Alex Bregman got a hanging Baz knuckle curve and singled home the Cubs’ first run. A concerned O’s pitching staff checked on Baz, but the damage wouldn’t go any further. It took a popout with the bases loaded to get Baz out of trouble, though.
3 months ago
BALTIMORE (AP) — Matthew Boyd pitched six shutout innings, Alex Bregman drove in two runs and the Chicago Cubs beat the Baltimore Orioles 5-2 Tuesday night.
Miguel Amaya scored three times for the Cubs, who have won 11 of 14 to tighten their grip on the top spot in the NL wild card.
Making his third start since being sidelined for seven weeks with a knee injury, Boyd (4-1) allowed three hits, struck out seven and walked two. The left-hander is 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA since returning from the injured list on June 25.
Cubs reliever Ryan Rolison entered in the seventh with a 4-0 lead and promptly gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases. Adley Rutschman delivered a two-out, two-run single off former Oriole Jacob Webb before Gunnar Henderson struck out.
Tyler Ferguson worked a perfect eighth and Trent Thornton got three straight outs for his second save.
Miguel Amaya scored three times for the Cubs, who have won 11 of 14 to tighten their grip on the top spot in the NL wild card.
Making his third start since being sidelined for seven weeks with a knee injury, Boyd (4-1) allowed three hits, struck out seven and walked two. The left-hander is 2-0 with a 1.72 ERA since returning from the injured list on June 25.
Cubs reliever Ryan Rolison entered in the seventh with a 4-0 lead and promptly gave up two singles and a walk to load the bases. Adley Rutschman delivered a two-out, two-run single off former Oriole Jacob Webb before Gunnar Henderson struck out.
Tyler Ferguson worked a perfect eighth and Trent Thornton got three straight outs for his second save.
4 months ago
Red Sox are finally seeing Caleb Durbin become the Alex Bregman replacement they needed originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When the Boston Red Sox lost Alex Bregman over this past offseason, it was seen as a huge folly by their front office. He was the leader of their team, an All-Star, and one of their best hitters.
It got even worse when they missed on multiple sluggers they had convinced fans they were in on, and only in the end traded for a ROTY finalist in Caleb Durbin.
However, now, that trade is looking better and better by the day. In fact, Durbin might be a better replacement than Boston could have hoped for.
© Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
When the Boston Red Sox lost Alex Bregman over this past offseason, it was seen as a huge folly by their front office. He was the leader of their team, an All-Star, and one of their best hitters.
It got even worse when they missed on multiple sluggers they had convinced fans they were in on, and only in the end traded for a ROTY finalist in Caleb Durbin.
However, now, that trade is looking better and better by the day. In fact, Durbin might be a better replacement than Boston could have hoped for.
© Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
4 months ago
Take a flyball pitcher in JP Sears and put him on the mound in Wrigley Field with the wind blowing out you get a final score that looks like a bad football game. That was the case Tuesday night when the San Diego Padres suffered a 9-7 loss to the Chicago Cubs.
Sears was staked to a lead thanks to a leadoff home run from Fernando Tatis Jr. to start the game, but the 1-0 advantage was short-lived because a Tatis throwing error in the bottom of the inning allowed Seiya Suzuki to reach safely and advance to second base with two outs. Sears allowed an RBI-single to Carson Kelly and the game was tied 1-1 after the first inning.
The trouble for the left-hander came in the bottom of the second inning. Sears allowed a one-out solo home run to Dansby Swanson to give Chicago a 2-1 lead. He then allowed a single and a walk before allowing a three-run home run to Alex Bregman to give the Cubs a 5-1 lead. Manny Machado hit a two-run homer in the top of the third to make the score 5-3 in favor of the home team.
Both sides settled into the rhythm of the game until the bottom of the fifth inning when Sears allowed a solo blast to Michael Busch before allowing a two-out single to Ian Happ. Ron Marinaccio took over for Sears and allowed a two-run home run on a 2-2 pitch to the first batter he faced in Swanson who pushed the Cubs ahead, 8-3. Marinaccio was tagged for another home run to open the bottom of the sixth inning when he faced Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Padres found themselves trailing 9-3.
San Diego did mount a comeback in the top of the eighth inning when Gavin Sheets hit a three-run home run after a walk by Ty France and a one-out single by Xander Bogaerts. Tatis stepped to the plate later in the inning with two outs and connected on his second solo home run of the game and the second home run in the inning for San Diego, but that was where the scoring ended for the Padres and now, they find themselves looking to Walker Buehler to avoid a three-game sweep today at 11:20 a.m.
Sears was staked to a lead thanks to a leadoff home run from Fernando Tatis Jr. to start the game, but the 1-0 advantage was short-lived because a Tatis throwing error in the bottom of the inning allowed Seiya Suzuki to reach safely and advance to second base with two outs. Sears allowed an RBI-single to Carson Kelly and the game was tied 1-1 after the first inning.
The trouble for the left-hander came in the bottom of the second inning. Sears allowed a one-out solo home run to Dansby Swanson to give Chicago a 2-1 lead. He then allowed a single and a walk before allowing a three-run home run to Alex Bregman to give the Cubs a 5-1 lead. Manny Machado hit a two-run homer in the top of the third to make the score 5-3 in favor of the home team.
Both sides settled into the rhythm of the game until the bottom of the fifth inning when Sears allowed a solo blast to Michael Busch before allowing a two-out single to Ian Happ. Ron Marinaccio took over for Sears and allowed a two-run home run on a 2-2 pitch to the first batter he faced in Swanson who pushed the Cubs ahead, 8-3. Marinaccio was tagged for another home run to open the bottom of the sixth inning when he faced Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Padres found themselves trailing 9-3.
San Diego did mount a comeback in the top of the eighth inning when Gavin Sheets hit a three-run home run after a walk by Ty France and a one-out single by Xander Bogaerts. Tatis stepped to the plate later in the inning with two outs and connected on his second solo home run of the game and the second home run in the inning for San Diego, but that was where the scoring ended for the Padres and now, they find themselves looking to Walker Buehler to avoid a three-game sweep today at 11:20 a.m.
4 months ago
The Hall of Fame Index was first published in 201o. It had been in the works for nearly a decade at that point. The whole point was to establish a systematic way of looking at Hall of Fame candidates and those already in the Hall of Fame. At its best, it measures fitness for the Hall of Fame and aims to put players into groups with other similar players so we can compare them.
The sequel was published in 2020. It obviously updated numbers for players that were currently active, but also adjusted the formula as we got more information. One of the key things in statistical **** ysis is that we are always learning something new. The formula is similar to JAWS, but has a couple of key differences. First, it combines baseball-reference.com WAR and Fangraphs.com WAR into one number. I do that for two main reasons. First and foremost, the more data the better in most instances. It gives us a cross-section of what keen sabermetric minds feel about a player.
The second reason is that there is always an intellectual divide on these things. The old formulas included win shares, but since Bill James retired, there is no longer an update on current win shares, so that one has been dropped from the formula. Like JAWS, the index includes a peak value element. However, the peak value is made up of ten seasons. I have gotten push back on this and the push back is perfectly reasonable. I chose ten years because you need to play at least ten years to get into the Hall of Fame and ten years gives you slightly more data than the seven years that JAWS brings.
That is important distinction because I do not profile any players until they have been in the league for at least ten seasons. So, as we compare Alex Bregman to his contemporaries, there are five third baseman that make the list. I will not speak for Jay Jaffe (the creator of JAWS) but the index was never meant to rank order players. It was meant to place players into groups with other similar players so that we can directly compare them using other means. I have done this before with Bregman, but since we are at the midway point of the 2026 season, it is a good time to revisit it.
BWAR
The sequel was published in 2020. It obviously updated numbers for players that were currently active, but also adjusted the formula as we got more information. One of the key things in statistical **** ysis is that we are always learning something new. The formula is similar to JAWS, but has a couple of key differences. First, it combines baseball-reference.com WAR and Fangraphs.com WAR into one number. I do that for two main reasons. First and foremost, the more data the better in most instances. It gives us a cross-section of what keen sabermetric minds feel about a player.
The second reason is that there is always an intellectual divide on these things. The old formulas included win shares, but since Bill James retired, there is no longer an update on current win shares, so that one has been dropped from the formula. Like JAWS, the index includes a peak value element. However, the peak value is made up of ten seasons. I have gotten push back on this and the push back is perfectly reasonable. I chose ten years because you need to play at least ten years to get into the Hall of Fame and ten years gives you slightly more data than the seven years that JAWS brings.
That is important distinction because I do not profile any players until they have been in the league for at least ten seasons. So, as we compare Alex Bregman to his contemporaries, there are five third baseman that make the list. I will not speak for Jay Jaffe (the creator of JAWS) but the index was never meant to rank order players. It was meant to place players into groups with other similar players so that we can directly compare them using other means. I have done this before with Bregman, but since we are at the midway point of the 2026 season, it is a good time to revisit it.
BWAR
4 months ago
Deep in the Southwest, there’s a deep pool of athletes who have hailed from New Mexico high schools.
Athletes like Brian Urlacher, Alex Bregman, and Nancy Lopez all hail from the Land of Enchantment, creating names for themselves and their home states through success in their respective fields. Athletic feats go beyond the everyday; others have become local legends.
Who is the all-time best New Mexico high school athlete?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY is launching its 250 for 250 series, looking to answer that question by celebrating the best athletes from each state.
With your votes, five will be selected to represent the athletes who have defined high school sports.
Athletes like Brian Urlacher, Alex Bregman, and Nancy Lopez all hail from the Land of Enchantment, creating names for themselves and their home states through success in their respective fields. Athletic feats go beyond the everyday; others have become local legends.
Who is the all-time best New Mexico high school athlete?
As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, USA TODAY is launching its 250 for 250 series, looking to answer that question by celebrating the best athletes from each state.
With your votes, five will be selected to represent the athletes who have defined high school sports.
4 months ago
Caleb Durbin Hot Month Continues, Numbers Rival Alex Bregman's originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Caleb Durbin's career with the Boston Red Sox got off to one of the worst starts in team history when Durbin was left hitless through the team's first six games of the season. It wasn't until the third series of the year, and first at Fenway Park, that Durbin secured his first hit as a Red Sox.
His struggles offensively did not immediately expire. He has batted in the .100s all season. It wasn't until June 10 against the Tampa Bay Rays that the starter finally jumped into the .200s at the plate.
He has been red hot in June, and his bat is starting to draw national attention.
Durbin hit one home run in April before finishing the entire month of May without one long ball. Now 22 days through June, he has put four ***** over the fence with an OPS nearing 1.000.
Caleb Durbin's career with the Boston Red Sox got off to one of the worst starts in team history when Durbin was left hitless through the team's first six games of the season. It wasn't until the third series of the year, and first at Fenway Park, that Durbin secured his first hit as a Red Sox.
His struggles offensively did not immediately expire. He has batted in the .100s all season. It wasn't until June 10 against the Tampa Bay Rays that the starter finally jumped into the .200s at the plate.
He has been red hot in June, and his bat is starting to draw national attention.
Durbin hit one home run in April before finishing the entire month of May without one long ball. Now 22 days through June, he has put four ***** over the fence with an OPS nearing 1.000.
4 months ago
Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox could battle for Astros World Series champion, says ESPN’s Jeff Passan originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Around the American League East, we definitely see some of the better teams in Major League Baseball.
The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox, when things are going as planned, are typically among the top teams in the American League. Over the last year, the Yankees and Blue Jays have definitely been better than the Red Sox, but that doesn't mean the Red Sox won't add at this year's trade deadline, which could mean these teams are even battling off the field this summer.
According to the latest report from ESPN's Jeff Passan, we could see a battle for Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena.
“Replenishing a bad farm system with few players close to the big leagues takes a move like trading Pena, and the only question at this point is whether it will be before Aug. 3 or before the Dec. 1 lockout. No longer are the Astros in the position they were when they held onto George Springer, Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman all the way to free agency.
Around the American League East, we definitely see some of the better teams in Major League Baseball.
The New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, and Boston Red Sox, when things are going as planned, are typically among the top teams in the American League. Over the last year, the Yankees and Blue Jays have definitely been better than the Red Sox, but that doesn't mean the Red Sox won't add at this year's trade deadline, which could mean these teams are even battling off the field this summer.
According to the latest report from ESPN's Jeff Passan, we could see a battle for Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena.
“Replenishing a bad farm system with few players close to the big leagues takes a move like trading Pena, and the only question at this point is whether it will be before Aug. 3 or before the Dec. 1 lockout. No longer are the Astros in the position they were when they held onto George Springer, Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman all the way to free agency.
