For the second game in a row, the Chicago Cubs managed to record double-digit hits (12 today!), plenty of which went for extra bases, while keeping a potent Cincinnati Reds lineup to just 1 run in their home ballpark. On paper, this Cubs lineup won’t ever strike fear into the hearts of their opponents, but, hey, give them credit. They hit. They hit well. They hit often.
And there’s not even one obvious outstanding performer, as everyone in the starting lineup managed at least one hit, Ian Happ hit another home run, Frank Schwindel notched ANOTHER extra-base hit, Michael Hermosillo homered in his Cubs starting debut and Adrian Sampson showed up out of nowhere and gave the Cubs four innings of one-run baseball. That’s all you can really ask for.
Given his age and career-trajectory, Sampson is not going to be considered “A Guy,” even in short-term potential, but it’s not a bad thing that the Cubs are able to pull up pitchers from Triple-A to help in a pinch. Maybe this is a nice signal for their ability to do that in the future when it matters more.
I’ll also point out that after pitching – and looking mostly fine – last night, Rowan Wick came back out there today and threw a scoreless inning of relief allowing just one walk in the process. He’s got an off-day to recover tomorrow. And so far, his return has gone well.