Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/12/22): Cubs 2, Pirates 1 – Sizzling Suzuki Homers Twice to Seal Victory

Fresh off of a series victory over the Brewers, the Cubs traveled to Pittsburgh for their first road game of the season on Tuesday afternoon against the Pirates. New addition Seiya Suzuki continued his blistering start to the season and led his team to another close win.

Both lefty starters, José Quintana and Drew Smyly, were on their games early and neither team scored through the first four innings. Suzuki gave the Cubs the lead with his first blast in the top of the 5th, but that was all Chicago’s offense could generate through the first six innings.

The right fielder added crucial insurance in the 7th when he hit another solo shot off of Anthony Banda to double the Cubs’ advantage. The Pirates got that run back in the 8th inning when Bryan Reynolds hit a solo home run against Mychal Givens.

That’s where the score stayed, as David Robertson shut the door in the 9th inning to preserve the one-run victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The pitching was excellent, allowing just one run, but the Cubs won Tuesday because Suzuki decided to sign in Chicago.

Key Moment

Quintana had the Cubs completely baffled through most of the game, which is exactly what most people feared would happen. But on a day when offense was at a premium, Suzuki put the team on his back and doubled the Cubs’ season home run total all by himself.

Stats That Matter

• Smyly was very good in his first Cubs start: 5 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 1 K, and 0 BB.
• Ian Happ had two hits from the right side of the plate, which was great to see after his struggles against lefties last year.
• Ethan Roberts got a high-leverage inning and pitched around a baserunner in the 7th.
• Nico Hoerner had a single and made this incredible play on a grounder in the 3rd.

NICO! pic.twitter.com/pzkUTBae85

— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) April 12, 2022

Bottom Line

Suzuki has been even better than advertised. He may have to adjust at some point, but it’s been a very fun ride so far and should continue for the next five years.

On Deck

The Cubs go for the mini-sweep Wednesday at 11:35am CT as Kyle Hendricks takes on Zach Thompson in a game airing on Marquee and 670 The Score