After an impressive victory on Friday, the Chicago Cubs nearly won again in Saturday’s doubleheader opener against the Miami Marlins with a solid performance from Javier Assad and most of the bullpen.
Tale of the Tape
The only runs the Cubs could muster on Saturday was a third inning triple from Patrick Wisdom that allowed two runs to score. Other than that, Marlins starter Jesus Luzardo held the Cubs' lineup in check.
Starter Javier Assad did all he could once again in 4.2 innings of work. By limiting the Marlins bats to just one run off of a Bryan De La Cruz sacrifice fly in the fifth inning. Assad would then be picked up by good performances from his bullpen till the unfortunate ninth inning.
With one out and runners at first and second base, Craig Counsell decided to bring in his closer one out early. It became shaky with a walk to load the bases, but Adbert Alzolay was able to escape unharmed with a third out lineout from Vidal Brujan.
The final blow would happen in the ninth inning. With one out and a runner on base, Alzolay would allow a game winning two-run homer to Bryan De La Cruz to seal the Cubs fate.
The Cubs tried to make things interesting in the bottom of the ninth. Mike Tauchman and Nick Madrigal would start the inning with two straight singles. With a one out sacrifice bunt from Miguel Amaya, it looked as if the team could make a comeback.
It wasn't meant to be as Alexander Canario would strikeout, followed by a Nico Hoerner groundout to end the game.
Takeaways
While the Cubs' offense needed to show a little bit more with an effective start by Javier Assad, the team has to decide what they will do with struggling closer Adbert Alzolay.
Already his fourth blown save of the season, Alzolay has been struggling mightily when the Cubs need him most. The team cannot continue to have him in save opportunities if they are trying to win in 2024.
Mark Leiter Jr. has been effective to start the season and would be a wise candidate to look to for the end of games if the Cubs do decide to make that change.
Whatever comes next, it is clear that Alzolay has been unable to capture what he brought to the closer's role in the 2nd half of the 2023 season.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs and Marlins will be back at it again Saturday at 6:40 PM CT. Shota Imanaga will look to help split the doubleheader. The Marlins have called up pitcher Roddery Munoz to start and make his debut at Wrigley Field.
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