The Chicago Cubs entered Wednesday's rubber match wanting to forget the messy loss on Tuesday. A win on Wednesday would ensure a series win as the Cubs get ready to return to Wrigley Field on Thursday.
Tale of the Tape
The Cubs couldn't get anything going at the start of the game, but the Arizona Diamondbacks did the opposite. Leading off the bottom of the first, Ketel Marte crushed the first pitch he saw from Jordan Wicks to left field. The D-Backs struck quickly, and cast a shadow of doubt in the minds of Cubs fans everywhere.
After numerous scoreless innings, the Cubs finally got on the board in the fifth. Following Nico Hoerner reaching on an error, Mike Tauchman drove a ball into the right-center gap. Hoerner scored all the way from first to tie the game.
In the following at-bat, Yan Gomes followed up with a single to the opposite field, scoring Tauchman from second. The Cubs grabbed the lead quickly with contributions from the bottom of the lineup.
The Diamondbacks remained pesky. In the bottom of the fifth, the red-hot Ketel Marte drove in Tucker Barnhart after the former Cub led the frame off with a double. Arizona tied the game at two, but couldn't scratch across another run in the inning.
The Cubs took the lead right back in the top of the sixth. With no one on, Cody Bellinger hit his third home run of the season to put the Cubs up by a run.
Although Jordan Wicks only lasted 4.1 innings, Hayden Wesneski came in and did an admirable job. After getting the call up to the bigs on Wednesday, Wesneski rolled for 4.0 innings, allowing just one hit, while striking out two. Wesneski did not walk a single batter in his outing.
With Wesneski dealing, the Cubs added insurance runs in the top of the eighth. After Dansby Swanson beat out a throw on an infield single, Bellinger came up and delivered a single of his own. Thanks to some throwing errors from the Diamondbacks, Swanson came around to score on the play and Bellinger advanced to second.
After Christopher Morel was intentionally walked, Michael Busch continued his hot streak. A single through the middle of the diamond scored Bellinger, further extending the Cubs' lead.
Although the Diamondbacks got a late run on the Joc Pederson solo shot, Drew Smyly cruised through the last two outs. The Cubs secured a series win and a 5-3 victory to wash away Tuesday's sins.
ARMS
The Cubs had some arms going on Wednesday. Although he only went 4.1 innings, Wicks looked really good in his start. Wicks allowed the two earned runs on five hits while walking one. Wicks struck out five batters, continuing his consistent trend in that department, but by cutting down the number of walks from his last start he became much more effective. It was really the error by Nico Hoerner that ended his day and prevented him from getting through five innings.
Following Wicks, Hayden Wesneski shoved coming out of the pen. Wesneski's 4.0 innings of work were remarkable. The righty looked strong and has continued his quality start to the 2024 season. He owns a 2.53 ERA at the Triple-A level. On Wednesday, Wesneski was brilliant and that was exactly what the Cubs needed with an overused bullpen.
Finally, Christopher Morel also showed off his arm on Wednesday. With questions about his ability to play third base, Morel made two dazzling plays. The first, a flash of the cannon he has attached to his right shoulder as he turned two.
The second was a beauty of a play as Morel had to range toward the third-base line. Morel did a beautiful job getting the runner at first.
Overall, the arms looked really good. Although Drew Smyly gave fans heartburn in the ninth. That said, it didn't destroy what the other arms did in the big win.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs return to Wrigley Field on Thursday for the start of a four-games series with the Miami Marlins. LHP AJ Puk will throw for the Fish and RHP Jameson Taillon is expected to make his 2024 debut. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40 p.m. CDT.
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