On his 29th birthday, Justin Steele turned in an outstanding performance against the Baltimore Orioles, pitching seven innings of dominance and allowing just three hits - all doubles - keeping the Orioles scoreless.
Steele Outstanding
His mastery on the mound set the tone for the Cubs' dominant 8-0 victory, completing the clean sweep in the three-game series. This represented a significant accomplishment for the Cubs, outscoring the Orioles 21-2 in the series and highlighting their resurgence in recent games.
Offensively, Seiya Suzuki emerged as the Cubs' star, showing his ability with the bat by connecting for three extra-base hits. Suzuki's contributions included run-scoring doubles in the third and fifth innings, as well as a triple in the seventh, totaling three RBIs in the game.
Along with Suzuki, Dansby Swanson added to the offensive barrage with a solo home run and a run-scoring single, underscoring the depth and power of the Cubs' lineup.
Despite starting the series in last place in the National League Central Division, the Cubs have improved dramatically, winning six of their last seven games. This streak has brought them within a half-game of third place in their division, indicating a positive change in the trajectory of their season.
The sweep over the Orioles in Baltimore has additional significance by marking the first time the Orioles have been swept at home since August 2021 by the Tampa Bay Rays.
The Cubs' ability to completely shut down the American League East Division-leading Orioles, limiting them to just two runs in the series, underscores their recent resurgence and improved defensive capabilities.
Unstoppable Offensive
Justin Steele's performance against the Orioles was not only a testament to his growth as a pitcher, but also a demonstration of his consistency and potential impact on the Cubs' pitching rotation.
Steele began the game by retiring the first 11 batters he faced, showing excellent control and composure throughout his seven innings of work.
Steele used a varied arsenal of pitches, including effective sinkers and change-ups, that kept the Orioles hitters off balance and prevented them from generating significant offensive threats.
This performance follows Steele's recent outstanding outing against the Los Angeles Angels, where he pitched a complete game allowing just two hits to earn his first win of the season, highlighting his emerging role as a key contributor for the Cubs.
Offensively, Seiya Suzuki's prowess was on full display against the Orioles, with multiple extra-base hits and three RBIs to lead the Cubs offense. Along with Suzuki, Dansby Swanson contributed significantly with his power at bat, further illustrating the depth and versatility of the Cubs' lineup.
The Cubs offense was relentless throughout the game, racking up a total of 13 hits against Orioles pitchers and effectively capitalizing on scoring opportunities to build and maintain a solid lead.
Challenges for the Orioles
On the other hand, Orioles starter Albert Suarez struggled against the potent Cubs lineup, allowing four runs on six hits in five innings of work. Despite his efforts, Suarez was unable to contain the Cubs' offensive power, resulting in a challenging outing for the experienced pitcher.
Baltimore's bullpen also faced difficulties in stopping the Cubs' offensive barrage, as they were unable to effectively neutralize the Cubs' hitters and prevent more runs from being scored.
The Orioles' defensive struggles were further compounded by their inability to generate consistent offensive production, as they were blanked in consecutive games for the first time since June 2021, underscoring the Cubs' dominance in all aspects of the game.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Justin Steele's outstanding performance on his birthday, complimenting his efficiency and ability to execute pitches effectively against a formidable Orioles lineup.
Steele himself expressed satisfaction with his recent outings, noting his confidence and comfort on the mound as he continues to progress in his development as a major league pitcher. Major League pitcher..
Counsell also praised the collective effort of the Cubs' lineup, emphasizing their disciplined approach at the plate and their ability to execute timely hits and productive at-bats throughout the game.
Bring out the brooms. 🧹
Steele: 7.0IP, 3H, 0R, 4K's
Suzuki: 3-5, 3B, 2 2B, 3RBI, R
Busch: 2-4, 2 2B, BB, 2RBI, 3R pic.twitter.com/YZLdp1RbKi- Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 12, 2024
Injuries and Upcoming Meetings
In injury news, the Cubs announced that outfielder Cody Bellinger has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a fractured left middle finger suffered after being hit by a pitch in Wednesday's game against the Orioles.
Bellinger's absence represents a significant loss for the Cubs, as he is a key contributor in the middle of their lineup. However, there is optimism within the Cubs organization regarding the recovery of outfielder Mike Tauchman, who has been out due to a groin strain.
Tauchman recently made progress in his rehab, running the bases for the first time since being placed on the injured list, and is expected to return shortly after the All-Star Game break, providing a potential boost to the Cubs' outfield depth.
The Cubs will now turn their attention to a crucial four-game series against division rivals the St. Louis Cardinals, hoping to build on their recent momentum and continue climbing the National League Central Division standings.
Meanwhile, the Orioles will host the New York Yankees in a three-game series, looking to bounce back from their recent struggles and regain momentum heading into the All-Star Game break.
The upcoming series against the Yankees presents a challenging opportunity for the Orioles to reassert their competitive edge within the American League East division.
