Yesterday’s double header at Wrigley Field was highlighted by Owen Cassie and Willi Castro. And the Cubs took both games!
Following their 7-0 loss the the Brewers on Monday and another rain delay which postponed the second game of Monday’s double header to Tuesday the Cubs were trailing the NL Central-leading Brewers by a daunting 8 games. A sweep was not just a goal; it was a necessity to inject life into their playoff aspirations and allow them to hold the top Wild Card spot in the National League. Two players would emerge as central figures: a highly-touted rookie and a versatile veteran who the Cubs traded for at the deadline.
The narrative of the day was tied to rookie outfielder Owen Caissie. Called up last Thursday, Caissie had yet to make his second start. The decision to insert him into the lineup for Game 1 was significant, as he was starting in place of superstar Kyle Tucker, who was mired in arguably the worst offensive slump of his career. Manager Craig Counsell’s choice to sit the veteran in favor of an untested rookie was a testament to the pressure of a pennant race, prioritizing a much-needed offensive spark.
Caissie seized his opportunity with a revelation. In his very first start at Wrigley Field, he hit a two-run double and, most memorably, his first big-league home run. However, Caissie’s impact was not limited to his Game 1 home run. His performance throughout the doubleheader proved he was a true catalyst for the struggling Cubs offense. In the second game, he delivered a run-scoring bloop single that tied the game at one. He then demonstrated his speed and base running instincts, scoring from first base on a double by Michael Busch to give the Cubs the lead l. His four RBIs on the day were a crucial engine for the team’s offense, validating the manager’s bold, yet late, decision. This chain of events — a veteran’s slump, a manager’s bold choice, and a rookie’s immediate spark — shifted the entire dynamic around the Cubs’ offense. The team’s energy was visibly lifted.
While Caissie’s offense stole the headlines, in Game 2 Willi Castro had what some are referring to as a single-handed double play because he caught a sac fly and threw home with no hesitation to end the 7th when the Brewers were threatening with two runners on and one out. Sal Frelick hit a fly ball to right field. Castro made the catch, then unleashed a perfect, on-the-money throw to the plate to nab Brice Turang, ending the inning and preserving the Cubs’ lead.
The throw itself was a demonstration of elite baseball skill and awareness. From 260 feet away, Castro’s throw drew gasps from the crowd of 34,540 at Wrigley Field. Manager Craig Counsell marveled at the precision after the game, stating, When he let it go, it was like, ‘He’s out.’ The throw was a high-leverage decision that showcased Castro’s game intelligence. A lesser player may have been content to take the single out, but Castro turned a potential momentum changing play into an inning-ending double play.
Castro’s play embodies the value of the ultimate utility player. An All-Star with the Twins in 2024, Castro was traded to the Cubs at the deadline a few weeks ago and has seen his offensive stats dip significantly. However, his defensive versatility and penchant for highlight-reel plays make him an invaluable asset. He was chosen by Counsell to replace Caissie in right field over the Gold Glove-winning Tucker, a clear endorsement of the manager’s trust in his defense. This single play from right field proves that a player’s worth cannot be measured by batting average alone.
The doubleheader sweep was immediately framed in terms of momentum, a concept often used to describe the psychological lift of a winning team. The sweep didn’t create an unstoppable statistical inevitability. Instead, the momentum felt by the team was a human reaction to the culmination of several discrete, clutch performances.
The results of the sweep were tangible and consequential. The two wins allowed the Cubs to reduce their deficit in the NL Central from 8 games back to 7 games back. The sweep also gave the Cubs a 6-5 lead in the season series against the Brewers, securing a crucial tie-breaker advantage should the two teams finish with the same record in six weeks.
Here’s the thing, folks: The victory was a collective effort that extended beyond the two headline-makers. The Cubs received a crucial contribution from starting pitcher Jameson Taillon, who returned from a calf injury that had sidelined him since June 29. Taillon provided six effective innings of one-run ball, a performance that saved a taxed bullpen and boosted the Cubs rotation. In addition, Michael Busch played a key role in the Game 2 offense, driving in two runs.
With that… The doubleheader sweep against the Brewers was more than just two victories; it was a defining moment in the Cubs’ playoff hopes allowing them to hold their spot atop the Wild Card standings rather than being tied with the San Diego Padres because of a silent offense. It was a day where bold managerial decisions paid off and clutch performances emerged from a highly-anticipated rookie and a seasoned veteran.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them,