Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/8/24): Cubs 2, Yankees 1 – Taillon, Bullpen Sharp in Close Win

The Cubs were able to avoid a sweep at the hands of the Yankees thanks to an excellent pitching performance Sunday. Chicago scored just two runs in the opening inning but Jameson Taillon and the bullpen made it stand up.

The North Siders loaded the bases against Gerrit Cole in the bottom of the 1st inning with the assistance of a Gleyber Torres error. Isaac Paredes stepped up to the plate and singled up the middle to give his team a 2-0 lead.

The Yankees got runners on first and third with one out against Taillon in the 2nd and Anthony Volpe hit a sacrifice fly to cut the deficit to 2-1. The big Cubs right-hander settled down nicely after that, pitching six frames and only allowing that run.

Chicago’s bullpen locked it down after that, with Nate Pearson pitching two perfect innings and Porter Hodge working around a walk to earn the save in the 9th. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs have had numerous opportunities recently to do damage against quality starters in the first two innings of games. They were finally able to succeed Sunday and it was the difference between a win and a loss.

Why the Cubs Won

Tremendous work from the pitching staff was enough to secure a tight victory despite only a pair of runs coming from the hitters.

Stats That Matter

• Taillon had a second consecutive great start after struggling his first few post All-Star starts: 6 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 6 K, and 1 BB.
• The Cubs had only two baserunners after the opening inning.

Bottom Line

If nothing else, that was a very efficient game, clocking in at 2 hours and 18 minutes. Chicago continues to scuffle badly on offense and it’s pretty hard to win when you are only getting only two runs. They are going to have to be much more productive down the stretch if they want to make any kind of miracle run.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers for three games starting Monday at 9:10pm CT. Kyle Hendricks takes on Walker Buehler in a contest available on Marquee and 670 The Score.