The Cubs are now 5-3 on the season, and the five-game winning streak was snapped yesterday when they lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-1. The series is now tied 1-1, and the two teams will play again today at a 2:20 start time in the series finale. Shota Imanaga will look to build off his first start with six strong shutout innings and nine strikeouts. He will match up with Gavin Stone, who will try to slow the Cubs bats. While the Cubs didn’t have many players cross the plate yesterday, they had plenty of opportunities against Yoshinobu Yamamoto but couldn’t drive in the runners with two outs early on.
Three takeaways from Saturdays
LHP – Jordan Wicks
Wicks might have only pitched 4.2 innings yesterday, but he battled all the way, throwing 100 pitches total. He gave up six hits, one walk, two earned runs, and struck out seven. He lowered his ERA to 4.15 on the season. He left the game with two outs and two on. He gave way to Jose Cuas, who walked Teoscar Hernandez to load the bases on four straight pitches. He then threw a wild pitch, allowing Austin Barnes to score. He then gave up a long single to right to Max Muncy, which scored Shohei Ohtani and Hernandez, which closed the book on Wicks, who pitched well. I was impressed with how well Wicks did Saturday against the talented Dodgers lineup. I think the Cubs have a good one in Wicks. The seven strikeouts to me stood out; he needed these K’s at the right time to help him get around the six hits he scattered over the 4.2 innings worked.
2B – Nico Hoerner
Hoerner continues to struggle early this season. He has three hits, six walks, and six strikeouts in 26 at-bats this year. Last year, Hoerner broke out and smashed .283/.346/.383 with a .729 WHIP, even though he’s seen six walks in the new year, which is a good sign. After only walking 49 times last year, he’s getting on base. He has yet to steal a base on the year after swiping 43 the previous year. The Cubs offense needs Hoerner to be an active participant in order to be at their best, so hopefully, we see Hoerner get on track Sunday before heading to San Diego to take on the Padres.
1B/3B – Patrick Wisdom
Wisdom was sent to Iowa Cubs for a rehab assignment before rejoining the Cubs. Wisdom was slashing .375/.375/.813 with a 1.188 OPS in six games this spring. He had one double, two Home runs and six RBIs.
Wrap Up:
A 5-3 record isn’t the best, but it will do, considering the matchups. First, the World Series champs, and this series against the Dodgers provides a good test for a Cubs team looking to compete deep into October. The young Jordan Wicks looks like a reliable starter who will give the Cubs a chance to compete each time it’s his turn on the bump. Hopefully, Wisdom’s rehab assignment goes well, and we see him back in Chicago soon. It will be interesting to see who moves down once Wisdom is ready to play, as Garrett Cooper looks good at the start of the year. This team will be fun to watch this season, but I’m focused on Shota’s second start today. Can he secure a series victory for the Cubs against the powerhouse Dodgers? We will find out today at 2:20.
