Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/22/23): Cubs 6, Rockies 0 – Taillon, Suzuki Lead Shutout Victory

The Cubs earned a rare (lately, anyway) victory to open their series against the Rockies at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon. Jameson Taillon had his biggest start of the year and Seiya Suzuki stayed red-hot to carry their team to a decisive W.

Suzuki got things started in the bottom of the 1st against Noah Davis with an RBI single. Taillon had some runners on base early but kept Colorado off the scoreboard. The Cubs’ right fielder struck again in the 4th with a two-run homer to make it a 3-0 game, giving his starter more than enough cushion as he went six scoreless innings to earn a quality start.

Bieba Blast! 💥@suzuki_seiya_sb pic.twitter.com/ynwBC45ayO

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 22, 2023

Jared Young made the most of his start as DH with a two-run shot of his own in the bottom of the 6th. Chicago would cruise from there eventually winning 6-0. (Box score)

Key Moment

Suzuki’s home run opened up what had been a one-run lead, making it feel like the Cubs could cruise.

Why the Cubs Won

They did almost everything well in this game with timely power and an excellent starting pitching performance.

Stats That Matter

• Taillon was a little wild but very effective against the Rockies: 6 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 7 K, and 4 BB.
• Suzuki had three hits on Friday and is incredibly locked in right now. His home run was his 20th this season, making him just the third Japanese-born player in MLB history to reach that mark.
• Dansby Swanson got on base twice including an RBI single in the 7th.

Bottom Line

The Cubs desperately needed that win because they have to clean up against this bad Rockies team to maintain their chance to get into the postseason. It was also nice that they did not have to use some of their higher-leverage relievers in this comfortable victory.

On Deck

The second game of the three-game set is Saturday at 1:20pm CT. Marcus Stroman makes a surprise return to the rotation against Chris Flexen in a matchup airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.