Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/16/22): Cubs 2, Rockies 1 – Stro Shows No Mercy in Win

The Cubs returned to Wrigley Field on Friday hoping to extend a three-game winning streak against the Rockies. Another terrific starting pitching performance carried Chicago to an efficient, low-scoring win.

Zach McKinstry got the Cubs going with a triple to lead off the bottom of the 1st inning. Ian Happ followed with a single slashed to left field against Germán Márquez to put the home team up 1-0.

Marcus Stroman was outstanding on Friday, holding the Rox hitless through the first five innings. McKinstry doubled Chicago’s lead in the 5th with a solo home run that just made it into the basket in left-center field.

Ryan McMahon broke up Stroman’s no-hitter with a solo bomb in the 6th inning. That was as close as Colorado would get with the Cub starter going seven followed by relievers Brandon Hughes and Manuel Rodriguez closing out the victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The pitching staff did a great job and helped a mere two runs of offense hold up.

Eye on the Future

• McKinstry is really making the most out of his increased playing time.
• Congratulations to infielder Jared Young, who made his MLB debut Friday and got his first career hit, a double, in the 8th.

Taking Note

• Stroman did a great job of keeping the ball on the ground, extra important with the wind blowing out Friday: 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 5 K, and 2 BB.
• This was the fastest Cubs game of the year, taking only 2 hours and 10 minutes. Who needs a pitch clock?

Bottom Line

Stroman continues to demonstrate how valuable he can be for 2023. Chicago is hoping players like McKinstry will make the most out of the remaining three weeks of playing time in 2022.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Saturday at 1:20pm CT. Hayden Wesneski makes his first career MLB start against José Ureña in a matchup airing on MLB Network (out-of-market-only), Marquee Sports Network, and 670 The Score.