The Chicago Cubs desperately needed to keep the momentum they created on Saturday heading into their rubber match with the Seattle Mariners on Sunday. A red-hot Michael Busch and the offense needed to awaken in order to secure a victory over the M's and RHP Luis Castillo.
Tale of the Tape
The Cubs opened the scoring almost immediately to begin the contest. Seiya Suzuki hit a double for the first hit of the game, and was later driven in by Cody Bellinger. Bellinger's single was a little dribbler up the first base line. When fielding the ball, Castillo threw it away from first baseman Ty France, and the ball floated into shallow right field. Suzuki came all the way around from second to score and give the visitors an early 1-0 lead.
Both pitchers were settled in, as neither team added offensively until the fourth inning. However, in the top of the fourth, Michael Busch kept his hot streak going. For the fourth consecutive game, Busch went yard. This time, Dansby Swanson was on base following his double, scoring two big runs for the Cubbies.
That was ultimately all the offense the Cubs needed. That said, it was not an easy win by any means for Chicago. In the bottom of the sixth, Jorge Polanco hit a two-run shot off of Javier Assad, not only ending Assad's day but also brought the Mariners within one.
Assad was really good on Sunday. In 5.2 innings of work, the righty allowed just four hits, the two earned runs on the homer, and one walk while striking out six. Although getting Assad through a full six innings would've been ideal, he still threw a hell of a game.
On the other side, Castillo finished the day with a full 6.0 innings of work. He allowed seven hits, three runs (two earned), didn't walk a single Cub, and struck out nine. Despite taking the loss, Castillo did everything the Mariners needed from him.
The Mariners threatened late with bases loaded. However, a crucial double play, turned by Dansby Swanson, got Hector Neris and the Cubs out of the jam and allowed them to maintain the lead.
In the bottom of the ninth, the Cubs picked off Julio Rodriguez to end the game. The play was originally called safe, but a successful challenge from Craig Counsell sealed the 3-2 win.
So Hot, Its a Busch Fire
Michael Busch is the hottest hitter on the team. In addition, he might be one of the hottest hitters in baseball. Busch has gone yard in four straight games, guiding the Cubs offensively. In most of the games, Busch is either providing insurance runs or giving the Cubs life.
Busch wasn't expected to do much in Cubbie Blue based on his lack of success with the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, a full-time opportunity for Busch has ascended his game and the top-100 prospect is thriving with the change of scenery.
Who Stays In?
The echoing question for Cubs fans everywhere is in relation to the starting rotation. Once Justin Steele and Jameson Taillon return to the unit, who are the odd men out? As of now, it's nearly impossible to consider Javier Assad as a candidate for the bullpen, especially after Sunday's performance. As of now, it appears Ben Brown and Kyle Hendricks could be the odd men out.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs open a new three-game series on Monday as they venture to the desert. The Arizona Diamondbacks are 8-8 and had a lot of success against the Cubs in 2023. The Cubs will trot out Ben Brown against Merrill Kelly to try and continue their winning ways.
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