Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/27/24): Cubs 1, Reds 0 – Taillon Spins Speedy Shutout

The Cubs began their final series of 2024 against the Reds Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field in a game more reminiscent of 1924. It was a pitchers’ paradise with the wind howling in and Chicago was able to score the only run to win a contest that was over in under two hours.

Both starting pitchers, Jameson Taillon and Nick Martinez, were ultra aggressive with the wind knocking down every fly ball that was hit and things remained scoreless for the first four frames. Nico Hoerner doubled to begin the bottom of the 5th and then advanced to third on a sacrifice bunt by Pete Crow-Armstrong. Miguel Amaya followed with a shallow fly out to right field, and Hoerner tagged and dramatically slid in just before the throw to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead.

That run would be all they needed as Taillon went seven strong innings giving up just four hits. Tyson Miller and Porter Hodge handled the final two frames to seal the shutout victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

Right fielder Jake Fraley had to run over a few extra feet to catch Amaya’s 5th inning fly ball when it got hung up in the wind. That moved him just enough out of position for Hoerner to sneak in ahead of his throw.

Why the Cubs Won

Just an outstanding effort by the entire pitching staff Friday.

Stats That Matter

• Taillon did an excellent job in September, closing it out with a bang: 7 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 2 K, and 2 BB.
• Hoerner had a pair of hits as he stayed hot.

Bottom Line

Obviously, both squads were in a hurry to get this one over with, judging by 1:48 duration of the game. The Cubs will officially have a winning record in 2024, for those scoring at home.

On Deck

Kyle Hendricks makes what is likely his final appearance in a Cubs uniform Saturday at 1:20pm CT. The Professor is opposed by Rhett Lowder in a game broadcast on Marquee and 670 The Score.