This is a Game Notes blog where we recap some of the biggest and best things from the Cubs most recent game against the Rangers. And easily the #1 takeaway is that Justin Steele absolutely dominated a solid lineup and 8-2 Rangers team. It was his 4th start of the year but first quality start. And it’s the Cubs 3rd quality start in 4 games joining Shota and Matt Boyd against the Padres where they combined for 13.1 innings and 1 ER on 176 pitches. Including Steele tonight, that’s 3 quality starts averaging 89 pitches per start from 3 lefties that don’t throw particularly hard or have nasty stuff.
In other words it’s a tremendous pitching performance and it puts the Cubs in the driver seat for the rest of the series.
Tomorrow is Game 2 with Jameson Taillon vs. Patrick Corbin – a clear advantage to the Cubs because Patrick Corbin blows. We can talk about that later.
For now, some other observations on tonight’s dominant win:
- It’s nice to get a cupcake win start to finish. The Cubs got on the board early and never looked back. There was no drama or pressure. Just an overall relaxing baseball game on a Monday night just like you draw it up at first pitch
- Kyle Tucker was 2-5 with another run and another RBI and almost another HR but for 25 degree temps and wind blowing in. Overall great box score with 4 guys registering multiple hits and 7 guys plating a run
- Gage Workman posts a hat trick in his first career start at Wrigley. He looks kinda lost with a big swing, but they also made some great pitches on him at 0-0 and 0-1. Tip your cap and maybe start him again on Wednesday before an off day if we win tomorrow.
- Michael Busch is slow and steady a solid plate appearance. He’s growing on me with every game even if I never love him as a leadoff hitter
- Nice play from Jon Berti to spark the evening. He’s originally an 18th round draft pick from Bowling Green which makes cheering for him extremely easy. He also stole 41 bases in 2022 and is known for being a phenomenal baserunner.
- Then we get all time professional AB work from Ian Happ to crack things open in the bottom of the 6th and it was easy breezy from here on in
- That’s really good stuff from Happ and a nice counter to people who complain that he doesn’t hit for enough power. That may always be true but part of his game is staying patient and inside the baseball like this so he can make good enough contact the other way vs. spinning off his back foot and missing this pitch by a solid 2 feet. It’s the difference between a veteran in Ian Happ and a rookie in Gage Workman that can’t find the barrel to save his life. And in tonight’s case, it essentially broke the game open before the Rangers could get on the board. That’s so huge for momentum.
- A stress free game for the bullpen is so important because it’s still coming together and we need a night of rest after Ben Brown poo’d his pants yesterday. 2 pitchers and 114 pitches is exactly what we needed at this point in the schedule.
- 8-5 through the first 13 games of this schedule is outstanding
- Technically 8-3 since domestic Opening Day
- And 2 of those 3 losses are atrocious blown games
- So really they could be 10-1 since dropping the first 2 in Tokyo – which is just a terrible way to think about things but worth pointing out nonetheless
- And if my grandma had balls she’d be my grandpa in most states
- Point is we’ve got a good baseball team on our hands and I would like to keep this momentum rolling
Next up tomorrow:
- 6:40pm
- Jameston Taillon vs. Patrick Corbin
- Chance to win a series against the 8-3 Texas Rangers
For more on the 2025 Cubs, check out today’s Monday Morning Cubs Show with Mahoney
Rangers wanted nothing to do with the cold weather tonight. Good to see the Cubs quickly come out and shove them in a locker.
Hey Carl, love your blog and podcast with Mahoney. I’ve been listening to you for many years and have always appreciated your takes, especially about the Cubs. Thanks for always keeping it real with your analysis, it’s refreshing. Looking forward to listening to you and Mahoney this season- you guys have excellent chemistry.
On another note, I’m from Grayslake, IL but have been living in Minneapolis the last 14 years. If you come up to Minny for the cubs/twins matchup this summer, I’d love to show you around some of the great food and drink spots in the twin cities. Great summer city.
Anyway, cheers and Go cubbies!
-Roy
2nd to last bullet got me Carl 😂