Jul 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs third baseman Miles Mastrobuoni (20) is safe at home plate and is greeted by first baseman Michael Busch (29) against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Wrigley Field. Photo: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
If Saturday was a learning tool for what not to do, the Chicago Cubs were certainly taking notes. After losing 7-0, the team came back in a big way by shutting the Angels out themselves.
Hayden Wesneski gave a solid performance on the mound and the offense was manufacturing runs at the right times. All in all, it was a solid day for the Cubs. Something that has been few and far between this season.
Tale of the Tape
Wesneski was going to have to make up for the shortcomings of Kyle Hendricks. With the bullpen taxed already, he was going to need to provide some innings.
Going 6.1 innings and allowing 3 hits was definitely a step in the right direction. The offense was able to return the favor for once when the 3rd inning came around. With all of his struggles, Miguel Amaya was able to turn things around on Sunday.
The catcher's first of two hits got the Cubs on the board with a 1-0 lead. If the team can get this Amaya daily, it will go a long way in improving the bottom of the lineup.
Nico Hoerner hit a sacrifice fly as well to build the lead up to 2-0. Now that the offense is doing its job, Hayden Wesneski went forward with a lead in hand.
In the 5th inning, Michael Busch hit into a double play which resulted in a run home and making the lead now 3-0. For an offense that has been quite stagnant, it's encouraging to see it produce in any way it can.
The scoring kept going for the Cubs into the 7th inning. Once again, it was Michael Busch contributing with a 2-run solo shot to put the dagger into the Angels. In a season full of disappointment, Busch has been one of its' bright spots.
Things were getting interesting at the end. With the bases loaded, the Angels were not going down easily. Luke Little came in for the first two outs before creating traffic on the base paths and turning it over to Hector Neris.
Not much suspense came as Zach Neto struck out to finish this game and hand the Cubs a series victory. It was a solid day all around for a team that needs it in the worst of ways.
Takeaways
Hayden Wesneski gave a solid performance on the mound. With all the injuries to their pitching, the Cubs need some stability. While Wesneski has definitely had his moments, Sunday's start shows exactly what he can do when he's at the top of his game.
The supporting cast of this lineup came on in a big way too. It wasn't the heart of the order that was producing this time. It's great to see that others in the lineup have the capabilities to contribute.
Given all of their shortcomings, the Cubs still aren't out of the woods yet. They will need to continue rattling off series victories if they have any shot at a postseason berth.
What's On Tap Next?
With an off day on Monday, the Cubs will return to action on Tuesday against the Baltimore Orioles on the road. Jameson Taillon gets the start against righty Dean Kremer. First pitch is at 5:35 PM CDT on Marquee Sports Network.
