Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/20/24): Cubs 3, Nationals 1 – Pitchers Duel Results in Quick W

The Cubs used an outstanding pitching performance to beat the Nationals at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon. Jameson Taillon started things off with six excellent frames and the bullpen was able to hold their water in the 3-1 win.

Former Cub Trevor Williams was also very good Friday, but he allowed a solo home run to Dansby Swanson in the bottom of the 1st to give Chicago a 1-0 lead. Taillon breezed through his six innings surrendering just two hits and no runs.

Dansby Crushes 💥 pic.twitter.com/34vcfumwY8

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 20, 2024

Washington loaded the bases against reliever Nate Pearson with two out in the 7th inning trailing by one. Tyson Miller took over for Pearson and got Dylan Crews to ground out to Swanson at short to end the threat. Mike Tauchman provided critical insurance in the bottom of the frame with a two-run single off Eduardo Salazar to put the North Siders on top 3-0.

The Nats got their only tally in the 8th when James Wood crushed a majestic solo shot against Miller to reduce the margin to 3-1. Porter Hodge put the hammer down in the 9th, striking out two in a perfect inning to earn the save. The first three innings flew by in what felt like 15 minutes and the half-capacity ballpark saw only 2:19 of total game time. (Box score)

Key Moment

Escaping the bases-loaded jam in the 7th was the difference in the game. It’s a situation the Cubs bullpen has not been able to survive recently.

Why the Cubs Won

Great all-around work from the entire pitching staff was the driving force behind this one.

Stats That Matter

• Taillon is closing the season on a very high note: 6 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 4 K, and 2 BB.
• Christian Bethancourt was the only Cubs player with two hits Friday.

Bottom Line

Getting this version of Taillon in 2025 would be a huge boost to Chicago’s rotation. Just getting another season like this one means there’s one less hole to fill in the offseason.

On Deck

The Cubs look to win the series Saturday afternoon at 1:20pm CT. Kyle Hendricks goes up against MacKenzie Gore in a contest broadcast on Marquee and 670 The Score.