Monday night the Chicago Cubs showed their resilience in a thrilling matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers which defines late-season baseball. Tuesday night’s game had everything: timely hitting, a comeback, and a pitching disparity that told its own story. The Cubs found a way to battle back and take the second game against a strong Dodgers team.
For the Dodgers, Yoshinobu Yamamoto struggled a bit in his outing, going just four innings. It was clear early on that Yamamoto wasn’t quite in his rhythm. He had some flashes of his usual command, but he struggled with his pitch count and couldn’t get deep into the game. Yamamoto had not pitched in three months leaving the Dodgers limited how far he would be able to go and forcing them to rely on their bullpen much earlier than they would have liked. This gave the Cubs a chance to capitalize in the later innings, and capitalize they did.
In contrast, Shota Imanaga for the Cubs was everything they could’ve hoped for. He worked deep into the game, giving them seven solid innings. The contrast between Imanaga’s steady hand and Yamamoto’s shorter outing was stark. Imanaga’s control on the mound kept the Cubs in the game and allowed their offense to stay close enough to pounce in the later innings.
For much of the game, it felt like the Dodgers had the upper hand, especially after they took a lead and looked to be cruising. There was a sense that the Cubs were holding on by a thread, especially since their offense wasn’t clicking in the early innings. But then, the late-game magic happened. The Cubs are no strangers to late rallies, and this game was no exception. Down but not out, they chipped away at the Dodgers’ 3-1 lead and, before you knew it, the momentum had shifted.
The turning point came late, in the eighth inning. Up until that point, it felt like the Dodgers were in control, but with a few timely hits and some clutch performances from players like Dansby Swanson and Ian Happ, the Cubs mounted a comeback. Swanson’s role in this game was particularly special, as it has seemed like every time the Cubs needed a spark recently he’s been there to deliver. His leadership, both on and off the field, are invaluable, and this game showcased why the Cubs brought him to Chicago two winters ago!
Once the Cubs took the lead, the Dodgers had a chance to respond. With their powerful lineup, a comeback is always possible, but the Cubs bullpen, which has been a bit shaky at times this season, came through when it mattered tonight. Porter Hodge, in particular, deserves a lot of credit for shutting things down in the ninth inning. There’s always tension when a closer comes in with a slim lead, but Hodge was calm and collected, getting the job done and sealing the victory.
One of the most impressive things about this Cubs team is how they’ve found ways to win despite injuries and some inconsistencies throughout the season. This game against the Dodgers was a perfect example. They didn’t have their best stuff early on, but they hung around, stayed patient, and took advantage of their opportunities when they arose.
Imanaga’s performance can’t be overstated. Going seven innings, especially against a potent Dodgers lineup, is no small feat. He mixed his pitches well, kept the Dodgers off balance, and most importantly, gave the Cubs’ offense a chance to find their footing. When you compare that to Yamamoto’s four innings, it’s clear how big a difference that made in the outcome of the game. Having to turn to the bullpen in the middle of the game always adds pressure, and the Dodgers’ bullpen, while strong, couldn’t hold the lead in the end.
Yamamoto’s outing wasn’t all bad, though. He showed flashes of why the Dodgers have been so high on him, but his command just wasn’t there consistently. The Cubs did a great job working counts against him, forcing him to throw a lot of pitches, and eventually getting him out of the game earlier than the Dodgers would’ve liked. It was a strategy that paid off big in the end.
This game also highlighted the importance of depth. The Cubs have had to rely on a lot of different players this season, and this game was no different. Whether it’s role players stepping up or stars like Bellinger delivering in big moments, this team has found a way to stay competitive even when things aren’t going perfectly. That’s been a theme all season for the Cubs, and it was on full display in this game.
From a fan’s perspective, this game was a rollercoaster. There were moments of frustration, especially early on when it felt like the Cubs couldn’t quite get anything going offensively. But as the game wore on, you could feel the tide turning. The Cubs late-game rally had Dodgers Stadium quiet, and by the time the final out was recorded, it was clear that this could turn into a win that helps the Cubs make their final push to steal the third Wild Card spot.
The win also speaks to the Cubs’ resiliency. The Dodgers are one of the best teams in the league, and taking a series from them is no small feat. This Cubs team has had its ups and downs, but wins like this show that they’re capable of beating anyone when they’re playing their best baseball.
There are still some question marks, especially with the bullpen. While Hodge came through in this game, the bullpens’ 23 blown saves have caused them to be fighting for a playoff spot as the playoffs approach. But for now, the Cubs can enjoy this win and the fact that they were able to outlast a Dodgers team that many consider one of the favorites to win it all this year.
What also stands out is the way this Cubs team seems to rally around each other. It’s clear, at least to this fan, that there’s a strong sense of camaraderie in the clubhouse, and that’s often the difference in games like this. When a team believes in itself the way the Cubs do, they’re never truly out of a game. That belief was on full display in the late innings of this one.
The Dodgers, on the other hand, have to be feeling frustrated. They had chances to put this game away but couldn’t quite do it. Some of that credit goes to Imanaga and the Cubs pitching staff for keeping them in check, but there were also some missed opportunities that the Dodgers will be kicking themselves over. Games like this can haunt a team, especially when they’re in the thick of a pennant race.
It’s hard to say what this win means in the long run for the Cubs, but it’s definitely a confidence booster. They’ve shown they can hang with the best teams in the league, and this win will only reinforce that belief. There’s still a lot of baseball left to be played, but wins like this are what you need to build momentum heading into the postseason.
For the Dodgers, this game is a reminder that nothing is guaranteed in baseball. Even the best teams can lose on any given day, and they’ll need to bounce back quickly. Yamamoto will have other chances to prove himself, and the Dodgers’ bullpen will need to shake this one off and come back stronger in their next outing.
Here’s the thing folks: The Dodgers are definitely headed for a spot in October this season while the Cubs will likely miss the playoffs by one game because of injuries. However, as the season winds down it will be very interesting to see how they finish up the home stretch of the season these next couple weeks.
With that… The Cubs have a chance at their third sweep in just over two weeks on Wednesday with rookie Jordan Wicks on the mound.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them.