Cubs takeaways: What we learned as Kyle Tucker helps secure series win
The Chicago Cubs have experienced extreme highs and lows during their stay in Miami.
They were walked off Monday despite being a strike from victory. Then the offense poured it Tuesday night, with 14 runs scored in a win where everyone had fun.
Wednesday’s rubber match wasn’t as eventful but still held consequence. It decided the series, in the Cubs’ favor.
They created late separation following a prolonged deadlock and held it to earn a 2-1 win over the Marlins at loanDepot Park.
Let’s go over what was learned from the latest Cubs result:
Bullpen gets redemption
The Cubs didn’t get leadoff hitters on often on Wednesday, but Matt Shaw worked a walk from that spot in the eighth inning. Then he stole second base to reach scoring position with no outs. That put the Cubs in prime position to break a prolonged stalemate.
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Kyle Tucker did the deed. The designated hitter smacked a line drive to left that, in combination with some bad defense, allowed Shaw to score.
That put the Cubs ahead and gave the bullpen a shot at redemption in this close game. They succeeded following Monday’s meltdown. That unit fared well after starter Cade Horton left the game (more on him later), with quality work from Caleb Thielbar and Brad Keller. Then Daniel Palencia worked in the ninth. The Cubs went back to Palencia despite Monday’s blown save, and he induced three straight flyouts to secure the win.
Kyle Tucker on a tear
Tucker has been going through a downturn relative to his lofty standards. It sure looks like he’s working his way out of it.
He told Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor that he felt comfortable again on Monday in his second at-bat, when he went 0-for-4 but put each ball in play at over 100 mph.
That portended better results. Tucker went 3-for-4 with a home run and an RBI on Tuesday. He followed that solid performance with another strong showing. Tucker put another one over the wall on Wednesday, further evidence that he’s locked in again.
Tucker finished the day with a 3-for-4 showing at the plate, his second straight as a designated hitter. He’s hitting the ball hard almost every time, and that leads to significant production from a talent like Tucker.
That’s good news for a deep Cubs lineup. When its best hitter is going good, it elevates the entire team.
Cade Horton getting better
The Cubs esteemed pitching prospect has been in the big leagues a couple weeks now, with his third outing recorded in Wednesday’s start.
While the efficiency required for extended outings isn’t there early, he found it late and managed his longest appearance to date. That’s because Horton’s stuff was evident against the Marlins. He gave up lots of hits but little damage, working his way out of jams with runners in scoring position. He was also getting a lot of swings and misses – he had 16 in total — with quality changeups and sustained fastball velocity.
Those are all pluses for a young pitcher still finding his way in the majors.
He left Wednesday’s contest with his head held deservedly high. Horton allowed just one run on six hits over 5.1 innings, with three strikeouts and three walks. He threw 92 pitches and seemed to get better as the game went on, retiring eight of his last nine hitters.
His performance will give the Cubs confidence in him moving forward, as a starter who could well be in the majors for good.
