Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
Dansby Swanson was fourth on my free agent shortstop wishlist two offseasons ago, but I am glad to be so wrong about him. The defense alone has made him so valuable to the Chicago Cubs and Swanson saved them from another potential meltdown Sunday afternoon in the team’s series finale against the Seattle Mariners.
Hector Neris was the big free agent pickup by the Cubs for the bullpen in the winter and so far he’s been awful. He came into Sunday’s game in the eighth inning, trying to protect a 3-2 lead and he instantly walked the first two batters he faced on 10 pitches. The veteran reliever did strike out Mitch Haniger, but once again lost command of the zone and walked the bases loaded.
Ty France came up to the plate and on a 2-2 sinker the Cubs got out of the jam, as Settle’s first baseman bounced a grounder to shortstop. Two things, thank god that France is one of the slowest runners in baseball and more importantly thank you DANSBY!
At first glance, you might think that it was a fairly routine play for the gold glove shortstop, but when you look at the replay you’ll see that Swanson made a great adjustment on a tricky, last-second hop and was able to complete the inning-ending double play.
Follow our new Twitter account for real-time updates and in-depth analysis of all things Chicago Cubs.
Adbert Alzolay entered in the ninth and struck out the first two hitters, but the Mariners did get the winning run up after Cal Raleigh singled to right field.
Seattle put in Julio Rodríguez as a pinch runner for Raleigh at first base, but he was too aggressive taking his lead and Alzolay was able to pick him off to end the game after Craig Counsell successfully challenged the original safe call.
Following a tough series loss against the San Diego Padres, the Cubs were able to grind through their first road series win of the season in Seattle. The offense didn’t do much this weekend, scoring nine runs, but the pitching staff took advantage of a weak Mariners’ offense and thanks to Swanson’s play in the eighth inning the Cubs are now leaving Seattle on a high.
Besides the double play in the eighth, the Cubs turned two more to end innings in the fourth and seventh innings, respectively. The one in the seventh also got the Cubs out of big trouble, as the Mariners had runners at first and third with one out.
Great to see the Cubs come away with a series win backed by their pitching and defense, picking up a slumping offensive group that had previously carried the team through the first few series of the year.
Off-topic but still relevant to the Cubs. Why would the 6th best pitcher in the NL be at risk of losing his job before the Professor is sent to the bull pen or the great coaching staff in the sky. I love him, but if you’re being honest, he’s not the same pitcher he was and Brown, Assad and Imanaga are the future. Brown, okay, he still has options and may be a better candidate. However, if the Cubs are signing guys like Teheran who has been brutal this year with the Mets, I don’t know if they’re worthy of… Read more »
As usually is the case, the big names get the credit. Thank you Dansby. But Aldo, where’s the credit for the guy who has carried the team while the other boys are striking out 10+ times a game, Michael Busch. Without Busch, “The Busch Whacker” or “Mr. AmBusch” we would have scored 1 run in each of the two games we won. Could be mistaken in that, but there is no doubt Busch is quietly becoming the team MVP on offense. Don’t forget that pick off attempt by Adzolay needed quick hands to apply the tag. Don’t worry, ESPN and… Read more »