NEWSLETTER
The Cubs started this game like they’ve started a lot of games this season, with a first-inning run — this one scored as a homer off the bat of Ian Happ, who was taking his first at-bat at Wrigley Field after being named to the 2022 NL All-Star team.
The good vibes kept rolling through the second, as Nico Hoerner hit a double, stole third base, and scored on an Alfonso Rivas single. Meanwhile, Adrian Sampson continued to cruise, generating six whiffs through his first 2.0 IP, four of which came on his absolutely fantastic looking two-seamer. I’m a sucker for a good two-seamer.
Now, Sampson’s four-seam fastball has been getting most of the attention lately, as he continues to stack good outing after good outing against really good teams (Dodgers, Braves, Cardinals, Red Sox, Brewers, and now a streaking Orioles squad), but tonight the two-seamer stole the show. The way he was able to place it on that outside edge to righties was just … *chef’s kiss* good. Ultimately, that pitch netted six whiffs and 5 called strikes, for his highest single-pitch CSW% of the game.
Overall, Sampson netted 12 whiffs on the outing and was generally quite good (again), even if there was a lot of hard contact that died just short of the wall (and at least a couple of fortunate choices of defensive positioning for the Cubs defense).
Unfortunately, the Cubs just couldn’t do enough with Jordan Lyles tonight, who threw 101 pitches over his seven innings of work. But this is nothing new for him. After a horrible start to the season, Lyles has been on an absolute tear here lately.
vs.Nats: 6.1 IP, 2ER
@Sox: 7.0 IP, 4ER
@Twins: 6.1 IP, 1ER
vs.Angels: 6.0 IP, 1ER
@Cubs: 7.0 IP, 2ER
That’s just 10 earned runs over his last five starts (or 32.2 IP), good for a 2.80 ERA.
Brandon Huges helped Sampson out of a jam, but then gave up a solo shot and hit a batter. Scott Effross was great, Mychal Givens was great, Matt Swarmer loaded the bases in the 9th, but got out of it. And that’s just about that. Just not enough offense tonight.
By the way, the Orioles have now won 9 games in a row and are back to .500 for the season. Just a wild ride for them.
