Taillon impressive in Cubs win over Yankees |
CHICAGO - When you look back at the Chicago Cubs (73-70) and how many missed opportunities they had, this weekend's series against the New York Yankees (82-61) at Wrigley Field is at the top of the list. After playing each other back into the race with an impressive showing over the past three weeks, the Cubs hit a speed bump this week as they dropped four of their six games.
That included two of three against the Yankees, and when you actually think about it, the Cubs could have swept the Yankees to make things very interesting. Instead, here they are, sitting at 73-70 and most likely finding themselves on the outside looking in again. Hoping to avoid the sweep, the Cubs turned to Jameson Taillon on the mound as he was set to take on the ace of the Yankees staff, Gerrit Cole. Leave it to the Cubs to find a way to beat the best pitcher they have seen this weekend, as a two-run single from Isaac Paredes in the first inning would be all the Cubs offense they would need for a 2-1 win. Those were also the only runs the Cubs would score this weekend, as that isn't a recipe for success. To the Cubs credit, however, they managed to keep both Juan Soto and Aaron Judge held in check all weekend, which continued with Taillon's effort on Sunday. The veteran right-hander tossed six brilliant innings against his former club, allowing one run and striking out six as he picked up his 10th win and lowered his ERA to 3.57. Taillon has been one of the more consistent pitchers for the Cubs this season, but he has struggled throughout the second half and is starting to turn things around down the stretch. Jamo brought it today 😤 pic.twitter.com/ZgIOQaouvo Like Taillon, Cole was also very good. He pitched six innings and struck out seven. He allowed just three hits and two runs, but with both runs being unearned, his final line looks worse than it really was. Both of the runs Cole allowed came in the first inning, as Ian Happ jumped him for a leadoff double. After being erased on a fielder's choice, the Cubs benefitted from an error and a walk, as the bases were loaded with two outs. That is when Paredes came through with the game's biggest hit, as his single brought home a pair and put the Cubs in front 2-0. Paredes makes it 2-0 in the first! pic.twitter.com/sM6tsQkxSY It would be all the offense the Cubs would need, as their pitching took care of the rest. Like Cole, the Yankees' only run of the game came early on as they answered the two-run first by scoring in the second. One-out hits from Jazz Chisholm JR and Anthony Rizzo put runners on the corners as the Anthony Volpe sacrifice fly put the Yankees on the board 2-1 before Taillon escaped without further damage. The third inning was a similar story for New York, as they put a pair of runners on against Taillon, only to come away empty, while the Cubs' right-hander continued to make the pitches he needed to make. After picking up a pair of first-inning hits, Dansby Swanson led off the bottom of the third with a single as the Cubs were looking to add to their lead. Little did they know that would be the final hit of the day for the Cubs, as hits were hard to come by all weekend. That was the beginning of the end for the Cubs offense as Cole retired the final 12 hitters he faced, including striking out the side in the fifth to keep this a 2-1 game. Taillon wasn't as sharp as Cole, which shouldn't be a surprise when you are a contact-first guy. Take away his two perfect innings, and Taillon had to pitch around traffic for the rest of his outing, including his final inning of work when Giancarlo Stanton picked up a one-out double before advancing to third on a balk. Stanton would be left stranded on third as Taillon gave the Cubs six innings before turning things over to the pen. First out of the gate was Nate Pearson, who pitched well since arriving in Chicago. Not only was Pearson perfect across his two innings, but he struck out the first two batters he faced as the Yankees continued to search for offensive answers. The same can be said about the Cubs offense as the Yankees pitching handcuffed them all weekend as Jake Cousins and Clay Holmes continued to make things challenging for the Cubs as they combined with Cole to retire 18 of 19 the rest of the way. With three outs standing between them and a series finale win, Craig Counsell turned to Porter Hodge to try to lock down his fourth save. In what has been a season of struggle regarding the Cubs closing games, they may have a future Closer in Hodge as the rookie has been dynamite this season with a 1.70 ERA. Although he walked Anthony Rizzo with two outs in the ninth, you never felt he was in danger as Hodge continued his excellent work with another solid ninth inning to cap off the Cubs 2-1 win. Sing the song 🎶 Chicago's finest. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/w4l4cXEp7D Today marks a recognition of your career and a celebration of the lesson's you passed on in the game, gentlemen. Immortalized in Cubs history. 💙
Taillon: 6 IP, 1 BB, 6 K
Paredes: 2 RBI
Swanson & Bellinger: R pic.twitter.com/8J0JLykto9
Thank YOU. 🥹 pic.twitter.com/oNNzKd3uYL
Congratulations to your new Hall of Famers, Kerry Wood and Aramis Ramírez. pic.twitter.com/0yWiaxwcjQ
