Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/27/22): Cubs 2, Phillies 1 – Stro Knows Pitching

The Cubs began their final homestand of 2022 hoping for a win over Philadelphia as a way to play spoiler and extract at least a little meaning from the end of the season. An outstanding starting pitching performance helped Chicago earn yet another one-run victory.

Christopher Morel gave the Cubs a 1-0 lead with a solo home run off of Zack Wheeler in the bottom of the 3rd inning. Marcus Stroman was very good on Tuesday, dominating Phillies hitters to pick up his second straight quality start at home.

Bryce Harper was able to tie the game in the top of the 6th when his deep fly ball landed just past Morel’s diving attempt in center for an RBI double. Chicago retook the lead when Yan Gomes hit his own run-scoring double in the bottom of the 7th inning.

Manny Rodriguez came on in the 9th and was able to save the victory on a game-ending double play. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Stroman absolutely dominated and kept the Phillies lineup completely in check. The offense struggled again but was able to get the key hit late that was the difference in the game.

Eye on the Future

• Morel has the kind of amazing all-fields power that does not come around every day. In fact, he hit a ball in the 8th inning even harder that got caught up in the wind.
• Ian Happ had two more hits on Tuesday as his consistent 2022 campaign continues.

Taking Note

• Stroman getting 11 outs on the ground is always a very good sign: 7 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 6 K, and 1 BB.
• It was good to see Willson Contreras back in the lineup after missing a month with an ankle injury. He singled and was thrown out trying to stretch it into a double, so he is in midseason form.

Bottom Line

Stroman has a 2.50 ERA in his last six starts and his overall 3.66 mark is right in line with his career average. He is going to be a big part of any move the Cubs made towards contention in 2023.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Wednesday at 6:40pm CT as Hayden Wesneski does battle with Phillies ace Aaron Nola in a game airing on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.