Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/23/22, Game 1): Cubs 2, Cardinals 0 – Assad Sharp in MLB Debut, Bullpen Seals Win

The Cubs attempted to start Tuesday’s doubleheader on a good note with a win against the first-place Cardinals, after a narrow loss in Monday’s series opener. With a decent outing from Javier Assad, who was making his MLB debut, and another quality bullpen effort, Chicago was able to take home the win.

The Cubs staged a rally against Adam Wainwright in the bottom of the 3rd to take the lead. Christopher Morel and Zach McKinstry singled to put runners on the corners with no out. Nico Hoerner had a run-scoring ground out and Seiya Suzuki added an RBI hit to make it 2-0.

Assad gave up some traffic on the bases but kept St. Louis off the board in four-plus innings of his first career MLB outing. Chicago’s bullpen dominated from there and Brandon Hughes closed down the shutout victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Michael Rucker, Sean Newcomb, Erich Uelmen, and Hughes combined to allow just one hit in five innings of relief.

Eye on the Future

• Very impressive by Assad despite some control issues: 4 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 3 K, and 4 BB.
• Morel had two of the Cubs’ five hits Tuesday.
• McKinstry also drew a walk and had great at-bats all day.

Taking Note

• The Cardinals were averaging eight runs a game the last week but they have scored just one in the last two contests.

Bottom Line

Cubs’ pitching continues to show out in the second half of the season, even against a lineup as loaded as St. Louis. Adding some offense to this team in the off-season could really make them a threat in 2023.

On Deck

The second game of the doubleheader is at 7:05pm CT. Adrian Sampson faces off against Jake Woodford in a contest available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.