Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/20/24): Cubs 3, Tigers 1 – Cubs Win in Javy’s Return to Wrigley

It was an emotional night at Wrigley Field Tuesday as Javier Báez returned to his former home for the first time in an opposing uniform. The Cubs also were hoping to keep their slim playoff hopes alive with a win over the Tigers. Chicago got another good performance from their pitchers and used a pair of big hits to come away with that victory.

Detroit grabbed the lead in the top of the 2nd when catcher Dillon Dingler singled home a run off of Javier Assad. The righty settled down nicely after that and did not allow any more runs to score. The Cubs had scoring chances but could not figure out the various relievers the Tigers deployed in a bullpen game.

The North Siders finally broke through against lefty reliever Bryan Sammons in the bottom of the 5th. Cody Bellinger came to the plate with two on and two out and lined a double into the right field corner to put his team ahead 2-1. Dansby Swanson added a solo shot off Sammons the following frame to increase the home team’s advantage to 3-1.

Home run #10 for #7! pic.twitter.com/fALBrJ9GEw

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 21, 2024

With Héctor Neris no longer available, Porter Hodge got the save opportunity in the 9th. The Tigers’ first batter hit a double but the next two hitters struck, out bringing Báez to the plate with a chance to be the hero. There was no Javy magic, however, as he waved and missed at strike three for the final out. (Box score)

Key Moment

Dingler opened up the 5th inning with a triple but Assad struck out the next three batters to strand the runner and keep the score at 1-0. The Cubs would go on to take the lead in the following half inning.

Why the Cubs Won

The pitching staff gave up only a single run, giving the wiggle room for the lineup to produce enough offense to win.

Stats That Matter

• This was probably Assad’s best start since he returned from his forearm injury: 5.2 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 7 K, and 1 BB.
• Bellinger was the only Cubs player with more than one hit on Tuesday.
• It was not a very happy homecoming for Báez, who had four strikeouts as many at-bats.

Bottom Line

Cubs pitchers continue to do excellent work and keep their team in almost every game. If Chicago can ever get into gear consistently on offense they could still make some noise. That is a very big if, but the opportunity is there. It’s a real bummer to see Javy struggling as badly as he is right now. That will never erase all the amazing memories he provided to Cubs fans and I’m still happy whenever I see him.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Wednesday night at 7:05pm CT. Jameson Taillon gets the start and the Tigers are going with another bullpen game. A broadcast of the matchup is available on Marquee and 670 The Score.