Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/17/24): Cubs 3, Blue Jays 2 – Cubs Dodge Rain to Grab Series Win

The Cubs took on the Blue Jays at an occasionally rainy Wrigley Field on Saturday afternoon after having won the series opener in a nail-biter the day before. Chicago was able to build a lead and hold on for a one-run victory despite having their starting pitcher forced out by a rain delay after just two innings.

For the second consecutive game, the North Siders used a home run in the opening frame to go ahead. Saturday saw Ian Happ hit a solo shot off of Chris Bassitt to put the home team up 1-0. The game was delayed two times by rain in the first two innings and Justin Steele did not come back after the second pause.

one pitch is all it takes…🎶#YouHaveToSeeIt | @ihapp_1 pic.twitter.com/RLdnxODmRI

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 17, 2024

The Cubs rallied to expand their advantage against Bassitt in the bottom of the 5th. Dansby Swanson singled and Pete Crow-Armstrong laid down a perfectly placed bunt for another hit to put two on with none out. Michael Busch eventually stepped up to the plate with two outs and drove a ball off the center field wall for a two-run triple that put his team in front 3-0.

The Blue Jays got a run back in the top of the 7th when Daulton Varsho had an RBI bunt single against reliever Drew Smyly. Chicago tapped Jorge López instead of Héctor Neris for the save opportunity in the 9th. It was an inauspicious beginning nonetheless with Addison Barger hitting a leadoff homer to cut the margin to 3-2, but then López struck out the next three hitters to close out the victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

After Varsho’s RBI single in the 7th, Toronto had men on first and second with one out. George Springer tried to advance to third on a pitch in the dirt and was thrown out by catcher Miguel Amaya for the second out. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. then flew out to center for the final out to end the threat.

Why the Cubs Won

The bullpen did an outstanding job covering seven innings to protect the small lead the offense managed to put up.

Stats That Matter

• Steele only made 36 pitches on Saturday, so he may be able to come back in the next series.
• Swanson picked up two hits, including a double, as he continues to build up his numbers.
• PCA got on base two more times but was thrown out on a botched safety squeeze, which was technically his first caught stealing in 2024.

Bottom Line

The Cubs authored two consecutive victories in one-run games to secure the series win. If they really want to get back in the race, however, taking two out of three isn’t going to be enough. They are going to need some sweeps in this upcoming soft stretch. The bullpen has been very good recently, but the lack of a reliable closer will make the final inning an adventure more often than not.

On Deck

The Cubs go for that important sweep on Sunday at 1:20pm CT. Shōta Imanaga squares off against Bowden Francis in a game broadcast on Marquee and 670 The Score.