Despite the unfortunate injury to ace Justin Steele, the Chicago Cubs' have been able to weather the storm for the most part. Jordan Wicks continued that on Saturday with a decent outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Wicks tossed 4.2 innings of two-run, six-hit baseball with one walk against seven strikeouts. Unable to make it out of the fifth inning, the young left-hander certainly gave all he could on the mound. With a career-high 100 pitches thrown, it was understandable for Wicks to leave the game when he did.
However, the Cubs bullpen didn't pick their teammate up. The two runs charged to Wicks crossed the plate with Jose Cuas on the mound. One of those runs came off a wild pitch with the bases loaded.
Meanwhile, the Cubs' offense didn't get much going until late in the game. Besides a Miles Mastrobuoni sacrifice grounder in the ninth, the Cubs couldn't overcome the Dodgers' pitching.
Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto went toe to toe with Wicks for most of the day as a legitimate pitcher's duel quieted both offenses early. If Wicks can continue to show what he is capable of, the Cubs can pencil him into the rotation for years to come.
Regardless of Saturday's loss, the Cubs are off to a strong start to the 2024 season. If they can build on the momentum of their solid opening homestand, they'll be in good position as they seek to return to the playoffs.
What's On Tap Next?
The Cubs look to win the series Sunday when Shota Imanaga takes the mound against Dodgers' righty Gavin Stone. After a stellar start in the Cubs' home opener, Imanaga hopes to keep that mojo going on the mound. First pitch is at 1:20 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.
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