Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/19/24): Cubs 8, Marlins 3 – Taillon Sharp in Season Debut

The Cubs finally got their series against the Marlins underway Friday afternoon after Thursday’s game was rained out. Chicago jumped on their struggling opponent early and never looked back, rolling to an easy victory.

Miami starter A.J. Puk did not have it Friday and the Cubs made him pay for it in the 1st inning. Cody Bellinger singled and Dansby Swanson doubled to knock in the first two runs of the game. Nico Hoerner added his own RBI double in the 2nd to increase the advantage to 3-0.

Cubs starter Jameson Taillon made his season debut and was very sharp, throwing three perfect frames to begin his outing. The offense broke the game wide open in the bottom of the 3rd with four crossing the plate, including on an RBI single from Garrett Cooper and a two-run double by Miguel Amaya.

Taillon made his only big mistake in the 4th on a solo home run by Bryan De La Cruz, but otherwise did a fine job in five solid innings. Pinch-hitter Mike Tauchman knocked in another tally with a single off of Declan Cronin to give the Cubs an 8-1 lead in the 5th.

The Marlins would score a couple of garbage-time runs in 9th against reliever Colten Brewer, who was pitching in his first game for Chicago, before going down to a 8-3 defeat. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs set the tone in the opening inning with Taillon retiring the Marlins in order and the lineup scoring twice in the bottom of the frame. It immediately put the floundering fish behind, which is a spot they have been in early and often in 2024.

Why the Cubs Won

They took advantage of a shaky opposing pitcher and their hurlers did a good job shutting down an underwhelming Miami offense.

Stats That Matter

• Very promising first start for Taillon, who was lifted when he hit the pitch count that was set for him Friday: 5 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 4 K, and 0 BB.
• Swanson reached base three times and is starting to heat up at the plate.
• Ian Happ appeared to injure himself and had to leave the game in the 6th inning.
• Hoerner had two doubles and hit the ball hard all day not to mention a terrific play at second base to steal a single.

A buncha Golden Retrievers out there 😮‍💨#YouHaveToSeeIt pic.twitter.com/TGCgNt6B9N

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 19, 2024

Bottom Line

This was a great start to the Cubs homestand after a winning road trip. If Taillon can pitch like he did Friday it will really help to solidify the rotation. It’s very fun to watch Hoerner and Swanson patrol the middle of the diamond when they are playing well.

On Deck

The Cubs play the first half of a split doubleheader Saturday afternoon at 1:20pm CT. Javier Assad takes on Jesús Luzardo in a game airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.