Clutch hit by Yan Gomes delivers Cubs series victory in Detroit
Before Sunday’s game at Wrigley Field, David Ross made a definitive claim about the Cubs’ catching situation.
“I think Yan Gomes gives us the best chance to win,” the Cubs manager said before the finale against the Royals. “I feel like this is Yan’s team.”
Wednesday in Detroit, Gomes backed up his skipper’s praise.
The Cubs’ backstop delivered the go-ahead, 2-out RBI-single in the 8th inning as the Cubs beat the Tigers 6-4. The Cubs took two of three in Detroit and will head to Pittsburgh for a 4-game set against the Pirates.
Right Yan, right spot! pic.twitter.com/LuTFcm0Jl0
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 23, 2023
With the team moving away from Tucker Barnhart last week, it leaves Gomes and rookie Miguel Amaya to share the catching duties. Ross confirmed that Gomes is the starter but also stressed the need for the Cubs to give the 36-year-old veteran enough rest to keep him fresh, like they did Tuesday night.
He responded with a 2-hit day Wednesday and has a 100 wRC+ and .748 OPS on the season.
Early on, the Cubs looked to be in cruise control — they scored in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th innings to stake Jameson Taillon to a 4-0 lead. And through 5 innings, that looked to be plenty.
Cody Bellinger is hitting .331 against LHP this season! pic.twitter.com/bVfdA5P4ZP
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) August 23, 2023
Taillon carried a no-hitter through 5 innings and left the Tigers offense searching for answers through then. In the 6th inning, though, Taillon ran into trouble. Andy Ibáñez ended Taillon’s no-hit bid with a single to lead off the frame and Jake Rogers and Akil Baddoo followed with singles to load the bases.
Taillon settled in slightly, striking out Riley Greene and inducing a shallow flyout to left from Spencer Torkelson. But lefty Kerry Carpenter tied the game with a grand slam to right center field that put a damper on Taillon’s otherwise solid day.
The Cubs’ offense, though, rallied in the 8th.
Ian Happ singled on a ball that ricocheted off shortstop Zach McKinstry and two batters later, Seiya Suzuki walked, setting the stage for Gomes.
The Cubs added an insurance run in the top of the 9th on a Nico Hoerner sacrifice fly.
Insurance! pic.twitter.com/hUvqXvijy2
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 23, 2023
Michael Rucker pitched an inning of relief of Taillon and Julian Merryweather followed him with a scoreless 1.1 innings. Adbert Alzolay picked up his 19th save of the season with a shutout final frame.