Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/24/23): Cubs 4, Rockies 3 – Cubs Complete Sweep in Home Finale
The Cubs were able to survive another close game on Sunday to complete a necessary three-game sweep of the Rockies. Chicago used the home run ball to take the lead and their undermanned bullpen was able to barely finish the job.
The Cubs took the lead against starter Ty Blach in the bottom of the 2nd when Yan Gomes hit an RBI double. Jordan Wicks made his only real mistake in the 3rd inning when Brendan Rodgers hit a two-run homer off of him to give the Rockies a 2-1 lead.
Nolan Jones added a solo home run in the top of the 6th to make it 3-1. The North Siders began a rally in the bottom of the frame with a Seiya Suzuki double and a Dansby Swanson single to put men on the corners with none out.
After a Gomes sac fly cut the deficit to one, Patrick Wisdom came up to bat and crushed a go-ahead two-run homer to left field. The Cubs bullpen kept it at 4-3 until the 9th inning.
H is for home run! pic.twitter.com/MsuZ7KxSY8
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 24, 2023
Julian Merryweather came on for the save opportunity and walked the first two batters he faced before getting the next two men to fly out. It appeared Ryan McMahon grounded to first to end the game, but the umpires determined it was actually a foul ball off McMahon’s foot. Merryweather was able to contain his emotions after the close call and struck out the batter to end the game. (Box score)
Key Moment
Wisdom hasn’t gotten a lot of playing time lately but his shot Sunday was very important to the Cubs’ playoff hopes.
Why the Cubs Won
They got a quality starting pitching performance and just enough offense to take home the win.
Stats That Matter
- Pretty good effort for Wicks: 6 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 3 K, and 1 BB.
- Suzuki got on base three times and continues to play great.
Bottom Line
It was vital that the Cubs swept the Rockies, now they need to keep winning on the road against two good teams with very little to play for in the Brewers and Braves. This race is going to go right down to the wire, but at least Chicago is right in the middle of it.
On Deck
After a day off Monday, the Cubs head to Atlanta Tuesday at 6:20pm CT. Justin Steele faces off against Bryce Elder in a game available on TBS, Marquee, and 670 The Score.