NEWSLETTER
ANOTHER one-run loss. Cubs are really wearing that thing out already this year.
The Cubs blew two separate leads in this one, following yesterday’s game in which they blew three separate leads, and that’s a lot of leads to blow in just two games! They almost pulled off a comeback of their own, turning a three-run deficit into a one-run deficit and loading the bases against Devin Williams in the bottom of the 8th, but Patrick Wisdom got fooled by a trio of Williams’ changeups and that was that.
Matt Swarmer got the results you’d hope for today and then some. Given his mostly two-pitch mix (a very good slider and a useable, but not great, fastball), I figured he could be decent for one time through the order and that’d be about it. Instead, he pitched six innings, striking out six along the way. He looked like a decent potential innings-eater. Multi-inning reliever in the future, with swing ability when necessary? Possibly.
The only runs he gave up that were actually attributable to his own pitching were a couple homers (on a day with the wind blowing out) – otherwise, the defense didn’t really help him out much. You can tell when a guy gives up four runs and only one of them is earned.
Daniel Norris, who hasn’t looked effective at all this year and may not be long for the roster, gave up the decisive three-run shot after Swarmer departed.
Nelson Velazquez kicked off his big league career with a ROCKET single:
First big league hit for Nelson Velázquez!
Congrats, @The_Goat1222! pic.twitter.com/jCnMu1NBvB
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 30, 2022
Meanwhile, Nico Hoerner had ANOTHER three-hit game, and just keeps getting the barrel on the ball, spraying it all over. It’s a joy to watch.
Random stuff to note …
