2026 Cubs Heroes and Goats: Games 8 & 9

What to make of this weekend of Cubs baseball? We talked about Friday. That recreation was sufficient of a downer simply on one other early loss with out including the insult of Cade Horton’s harm. Then the climate stored the groups from getting proper again at it on Saturday and making an attempt to get that style out of their mouth. That left a Sunday doubleheader, and on a vacation at that. It’s not 1969 and we don’t do this only for enjoyable on the weekends anymore. But the Cubs received one other improbable begin from Edward Cabrera en path to a win. Yay for that. And then some indicators of life from the bats in recreation two. Alas, one other loss. The final late push got here up brief and the Cubs continued the maddening sample of dropping all the odd-numbered video games.

Cabrera’s early begin must be one of the best factor on the 2026 Cubs bingo card. Here’s the factor. I do know you wish to pump the brakes on the “Cabrera looks like an ace” by way of two begins dialog. And hey, you need to pump the brakes. But additionally, you may’t say that the Cubs offense is lifeless or near it and draw conclusions on that. First, there was random quantity generator Midwest climate to start out the season. That’s not going to be locked as establishment. Second, Seiya Suzuki goes to return again. Soon. Particularly in opposition to lefty pitching, he does lots to steadiness the lineup. They had been worse in opposition to lefty starters in 2025 because it was and the Cubs have performed with out their finest hitter in opposition to lefties. (Add to that, when wholesome, Kyle Tucker was usually their second most efficient hitter in opposition to lefties).

You can’t learn an excessive amount of into any of this. None of it’s ideally suited, however this has been simply 1/18th of the season to be performed. A not insignificant chunk of the season, however removed from a large chunk. It hasn’t been ideally suited. Of that, there isn’t a query. I used to be completely happy to see the crew win that first recreation with out an offensive outburst. A crew constructed on protection wants to have the ability to win a few of these. Three hits between the groups is certainly a flashback to entire different period (even with eight mixed walks). The groups mixed for extra strikeouts than hits plus walks. The Cubs bullpen was deployed for the primary time in excessive leverage spots and held the road.

If you might be one of many individuals who hates the way in which the Cubs at all times patchwork collectively their bullpen, then Sunday was a day so that you can be additional pissed off. April is at all times tough when after your nearer, you aren’t solely making an attempt to resolve the order the pitchers are used, however who ought to even be right here by October. That’s way more tough when it’s important to attempt to cowl two video games in at some point. They not less than had a full time off after having to cowl seven innings of reduction on Friday. But they needed to cowl 6.1 extra innings on this one. Colin Rea certainly wasn’t out there, not the least of which is as a result of he’ll possible be requested to start out a recreation in Tampa Wednesday.

In the top, it felt just like the Cubs simply stored making an attempt to squeeze one or two batters too many out of each pitcher in recreation two. Shōta Imanaga regarded good by way of 5, however didn’t seem to have something left within the sixth. Ben Brown was a tightrope act from the primary batter. He did bounce again for a pleasant seventh inning after surrendering the Cub lead within the sixth. Then Jacob Webb didn’t look prepared for the leverage state of affairs he was thrown into and surrendered one other lead.

Two blown leads in a single recreation. At least that means that the Cub offense confirmed some struggle lastly. Even within the ninth, they threatened once more, getting the tying run into scoring place. But shut nonetheless doesn’t rely for something and in the long run, they got here up brief. It’s far too early for large video games or should wins. But boy, this crew actually wants a few wins in opposition to a Tampa crew that has struggled within the early going. Games in a dome. Maybe put just a few crooked numbers on the board within the collection. Get some guys rolling.

That would do the crew some good.

Three Positives: (Game 1)

An honorable point out on recreation one to Edward Cabrera. I’m certainly being too laborious on him for permitting 5 walks, preserving him from finishing seven. 51 strikes out of 97 pitches isn’t going to work too usually. I’m already anticipating his subsequent begin subsequent weekend to see what the following chapter appears like. But I simply felt like I needed to hat tip the opposite guys for this one.

Three Positives: (Game 2)

Game 8, April 5: Chicago 1, Cleveland 0 (4-4)

Reminder: Heroes and Goats are decided by WPA scores and are on no account subjective.

WPA Play of the Game: Miguel Amaya batted with a runner on second and one out within the eighth inning. He singled, driving within the recreation’s solely run. (.209)

*Cleveland Play of the Game: Steven Kwan was hit by a pitch main off the eighth inning. (.098)

Cubs Player of the Game (Game 1):

Game 9, April 5: Cleveland 6, Chicago 5 (4-5)

Reminder: Heroes and Goats are decided by WPA scores and are on no account subjective.

WPA Play of the Game: CJ Kayfus batted with one out and the bases empty within the eighth inning, the Cubs main by one. He hit a solo homer to tie the sport. (.325)

*Cubs Play of the Game: Ian Happ homered main off the highest of the eighth, to present the Cubs that lead. (.252)

Cubs Player of the Game (Game 2):

Game 7 Winner: Colin Rea acquired 77 of 110 votes.

Rizzo Award Standings: (Top 3/Bottom 3)

The award is known as for Anthony Rizzo, who completed first on this class three of the primary 4 years it was in existence and 4 instances total. He additionally recorded the best season complete ever at +65.5. The level scale is three factors for a Superhero all the way down to unfavorable three factors for a Billy Goat.

Up Next: The Rays did win in 10 on Sunday, that pushed their file to 4-5 as effectively. They are prepared for his or her house opener and their return to Tropicana Field after a 12 months enjoying at Steinbrenner Field. I received to see a recreation final 12 months and it’s positively an excellent minor league facility. But it’s not a becoming place for an MLB crew. Of course, the Trop isn’t precisely an elite stadium both. But it’s house. The first 9 video games have regarded like a grind for the Rays and I’m hoping it takes them not less than three extra days to seek out their stride. I’ll be on the recreation Tuesday.

The Cubs will miss Seiya Suzuki once more Monday evening. They’ll see lefty Shane McClanahan. He was a loser in his first 2026 begin, permitting three runs, two earned, in a begin at Milwaukee. He was 11-2 with a 3.29 in his final MLB season, which was in 2023. He’s missed all the final two years with accidents. He’s made 20 + begins in every of his three main league seasons, received 10+ video games in all three and has a lifetime ERA of three.03. He’s no pushover. The Cubs counter with Lakeland, Florida product Jameson Taillon. He threw 4.2 scoreless in opposition to the Angels in his first begin. He walked 4 however solely allowed two hits.

For this one, let’s hope that each different recreation is a win sample holds up yet another day. Then the crew can attempt to get that first two-game profitable streak beginning Tuesday. First issues first. It’ll be a tricky one. Hopefully, the crew is as much as the duty.