The Chicago Cubs are back above .500 for the first time in three months. Their 9-5 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday at PNC Park sets up the Cubs to go for the sweep Wednesday. The Cubs' winding, often frustrating journey to this point, a position they haven't been in since May 28, has been aided by a lineup finally providing reliable production.
Cubs' Offensive Surge
The Cubs have featured one of the best offenses in baseball during August, going 15-8. Entering Tuesday, their 121 wRC+ was tied for fourth in the majors, also ranking in the top 10 in wOBA (fourth), average (seventh), and walk rate (ninth). Their offensive production has been a major factor in their recent success. The Cubs have scored 43 runs in their last four games, putting nine or more runs on the board in all but one of them.
Suzuki and Swanson Lead the Way
The Cubs' offense was led by Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson, who each hit home runs. Suzuki's 19th homer of the season, a two-run, opposite-field shot, tied the game in the fourth and kickstarted a five-run frame. Swanson's homer, a two-run shot in the fourth, put the Cubs up 5-2. The Cubs broke the game open in the fifth, scoring four runs with two outs, including a two-run single by Miguel Amaya.
Steele's Solid Outing
Left-hander Justin Steele did his part Tuesday, holding Pittsburgh to two runs in five innings. He experienced a nerve-wracking moment before the bottom of the third inning when umpires convened to look at his right arm. They told Steele he couldn't have rosin on his non-throwing arm and he was instructed to wipe it off in the dugout. He subsequently got checked before every inning the rest of his outing. Steele said he was definitely scared they might eject him because of the rosin. After allowing two runs in the first inning, Steele settled down and pitched five solid innings, allowing just the two runs and striking out six. He showed great composure and resilience in a difficult situation.
The Importance of Being Above .500
The win put the Cubs over .500 at 67-66. It's the first time they have been over .500 since May 28, when they defeated the Brewers and were 28-27. While a winning record might not be a high bar, it is a sign of progress for a team that has struggled at times this season. The Cubs remain a long shot to reach the postseason, but their recent surge gives them hope for the rest of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Cubs will go for the series sweep Wednesday in Pittsburgh. It will not be easy, as Pirates ace Paul Skenes will take the mound against Kyle Hendricks. Despite their recent success, the Cubs face a tough challenge in Skenes, who has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league this season. The Cubs will need to continue their offensive production if they want to secure the sweep and gain momentum heading into the final month of the regular season.
Cubs Spoil Jones' Return
The Cubs have already secured their fourth consecutive series win over the Pirates by beating up on Jared Jones last night. Jones was making his return to the Pirates' rotation, and the Cubs were able to spoil his return by scoring nine runs against him. The Cubs have scored 18 runs in the first two games of the series against the Pirates, and they look poised to continue their offensive dominance in the series finale.
Amaya's Hot Streak
Miguel Amaya has been a major factor in the Cubs' offensive resurgence. He has multiple hits in five starts in a row, the longest such streak by a Cubs catcher since Tyler Houston in 1998. Amaya's hot streak is a sign of the depth and talent in the Cubs' lineup. He has provided a much-needed spark for the Cubs, and he has been a key contributor to their recent success.
The Cubs' Future
The Cubs are still a long shot to reach the postseason, but their recent surge gives them hope for the rest of the season. They have shown that they have the potential to be a dangerous team, and they will be looking to make a run in the final month of the season. If they continue to play at this level, the Cubs could be a threat to make the playoffs. However, they will need to stay consistent and continue to get production from their entire lineup.
