Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/6/22): Cubs 9, Reds 3 – Wesneski Dazzles in Cubs Debut

The Cubs were hoping to get back on a winning track against the Reds at Wrigley Field Tuesday night. A late inning offensive outburst and another terrific rookie debut led Chicago to the win.

Wade Miley came back from the 60-day IL to make the start. A walk followed by a Nick Madrigal throwing error put the first two men on base. Kyle Farmer then hit a slicing line drive to right field that skidded by Seiya Suzuki for a two-run triple.

Ian Happ got one of those runs back in the bottom of the frame when he hit a solo home run off of Boston College legend Justin Dunn. Miley settled down after the 1st inning and the only thing he allowed after that was a solo shot to Farmer in the 3rd.

Suzuki ended Dunn’s night in the 5th inning with a game-tying two-run homer to left. The Cubs busted the game open on Cincinnati’s beleaguered bullpen starting with a two-run bases loaded single from Madrigal in the 6th.

Christopher Morel knocked in a pair of runs in the 7th and Suzuki drew a bases loaded walk for a 8-3 lead.

Hayden Wesneski had a spectacular major league debut coming on in relief in the 5th inning.

Nico Hoerner tripled in the bottom of the 8th and came in to score on a Rafael Ortega sacrifice fly. Wesneski pitched all the way into the 9th inning to close out his first-career victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The offense jumped all over a shaky Reds bullpen and Wesneski was outstanding in relief.

Eye on the Future

• Nico had been cold lately so it was nice to see him reach base three times.
• Madrigal also got on base three times and had the winning hit.
• Wesneski just shoved on the mound Tuesday: 5 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 8 K, and 1 BB.

Taking Note

• Miley did not show much rust: 4 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 H, 6 K, and 2 BB.

Bottom Line

Not even the most optimistic people were expecting to see what we did from Hayden Wesneski. His unique delivery and nasty slider could make him a very good major-league pitcher. Hopefully, we get to see a lot more of him over the next month.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Wednesday at 6:40pm CT. Javier Assad takes the mound against Mike Minor in a game broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.