Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/18/22): Cubs 1, Braves 0 – Cubs End Braves 14-Game Winning Streak
The Cubs came into Friday aiming to cool off the red-hot Braves and also break up their own 10-game losing skid. Thanks to a great performance on the mound, Chicago was able to do just that and actually took home an exceedingly rare win.
Both starting pitchers were outstanding on Friday with Keegan Thompson going six scoreless innings and Charlie Morton matching him over seven. Thompson picked up a career-high nine strikeouts in his superb outing.
The Cubs offense broke through in the bottom of the 8th inning when pinch-hitter Jonathan Villar drew a walk, advanced to second on a bunt, stole third, and came home via Christopher Morel‘s sacrifice fly.
David Robertson came on to get the save in the 9th and loaded the bases for Orlando Arcia. This time the infamous Cub killer did not come through and the losing streak was finally broken. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Thompson was a completely different pitcher than his last effort in New York. He had 18 whiffs, by far a career-best, and gave his team a chance to steal a win.
Key Moment
Villar channeled his younger self in the 8th inning using his speed to create a run that won the game.
Stats That Matter
- Really terrific stuff from Thompson: 6 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 9 K, and 2 BB.
- Frank Schwindel had to leave the game with a back injury after his first at-bat.
- Morel bounced back nicely from three strikeouts earlier in the game to knock in the go-ahead run.
Bottom Line
Baseball never ceases to amaze, any MLB team no matter how bad they are has a chance to win in that day’s game. The Cubs certainly are not better than the Braves over the course of 162 but they were Friday.
On Deck
Chicago tries for a highly improbable series victory Saturday at 1:20pm CT. Justin Steele takes on Kyle Wright in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.
