Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/29/22): Cubs 8, Reds 3 – Defense, Power Give Cubs Morel Boost

The Cubs were hoping to bounce back after a tough loss to the Cincinnati Reds on a beautiful Wednesday night at Wrigley Field. Unlike Tuesday, Chicago was able to combine a good pitching performance with some timely hitting to earn a victory.

Ian Happ put Chicago on the board in the bottom of the 1st when he doubled off of Hunter Greene to bring home Willson Contreras from first base. Nico Hoerner then cracked a two-run double in the 4th inning to increase the Cubs lead to 3-0.

Contreras greeted new pitcher Luis Cessa with a two-run homer and the home side went up 5-0.

Justin Steele was good through five innings before tiring in the 6th. Scott Effross came on in relief and stranded runners at second and third to keep the Cubs up 5-1.

Christopher Morel absolutely unloaded on a hanging slider in the bottom of the 6th inning for a long home run and a 7-1 edge. That was pretty much it as both sides added some late runs but Chicago took home an 8-3 win. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

They got a quality start from Steele and were able to deliver some power in key spots to pad the lead.

Eye on the Future

Wednesday was a big game for Morel who also singled and threw an absolute strike to cut down Tommy Pham at home plate in the 3rd inning. Hoerner was good yet again, reaching base a couple times.

Stats That Matter

• Justin Steele gave up almost no hard contact and is trending in a very good direction: 6 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 6 K, and 3 BB.
• Contreras had two doubles, the home run, and reached via hit by pitch.
• Happ drew two walks in addition to his double as he continues a big month of June.

Bottom Line

It’s good to see another win that was driven largely by young players such as Steele and Morel. Contreras and Happ continue to demonstrate their value. Whether that value will be used in trades or to build around long-term is the big question to be answered these next four weeks.

On Deck

The rubber-match of the series is Thursday night at 7:05pm CT. Kyle Hendricks battles Graham Ashcraft in a game airing on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.