Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/10/22): Cubs 4, Nationals 2 – Nick and Nico Lead Cubs Comeback Win

The Cubs were trying to win their second consecutive series on Wednesday afternoon. It was not looking good early, but then a late rally put Chicago over the top for a win.

Justin Steele had the strike-out pitch working early and often against the undermanned Nationals lineup. Rafael Ortega badly misplayed a Cesar Hernandez double in the 3rd inning to give the road team a lead. Joey Meneses hit a solo homer, his third home run of the series, to make it 2-0 in the 6th.

The Cubs got to starter Josiah Gray and Washington’s bullpen in the 7th. Nico Hoerner blasted a leadoff home run and three batters later Nick Madrigal hit a run-scoring single off Steve Cishek to tie the game. Ortega hit a sacrifice fly and an Ian Happ hit gave Chicago a 4-2 advantage.

Rowan Wick came on in the 9th inning and closed out the series victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

They took advantage of the Nationals’ terrible bullpen to take the lead and were able to hold on late.

Eye on the Future

• Steele pitched very well and most of the hits he allowed were very soft: 6 IP, 2 R, 8 H, 9 K, and 0 BB.
• Hoerner displayed more of the power that could make him an even more valuable asset at shortstop.
• Madrigal had two more hits on Tuesday as he starts to heat up.

Stats That Matter

• Franmil Reyes had a pair of singles in his second game as a Cub.
• The Cubs have scored four runs in two consecutive 7th innings.

Bottom Line

The Cubs got another quality start from one of their young pitching prospects. That is the best news they could have gotten at this point. The team may have the makings of a solid rotation for 2023.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Dyersville, Iowa for the Field of Dreams Game Thursday at 6:15pm CT. Drew Smyly faces Cincinnati’s Nick Lodolo in an exclusive Fox broadcast.