Cody Bellinger stepped up to the plate in the seventh inning, determined to make up for his previous at-bat where he had squandered runners on base. With two outs and two on base, Bellinger hit a go-ahead, three-run home run to right field, securing a 4-3 victory for the Chicago Cubs against the Tampa Bay Rays. Manager Craig Counsell praised Bellinger’s game-changing swing, emphasizing the importance of timely hits in baseball.
The Cubs have been struggling offensively, with hard-hit balls not resulting in runs. However, Seiya Suzuki’s home run in the fourth inning and Bellinger’s clutch hit provided much-needed relief. Pitchers Tyson Miller, Drew Smyly, and Héctor Neris also contributed to the win, with Neris securing his 10th save in an adventurous ninth inning.
The victory marked the Cubs’ 27th one-run game of the season, showcasing their ability to compete in tight matchups. The team’s batting order saw significant changes, with Christopher Morel leading off and Michael Busch batting second for the first time this season. Bellinger and Suzuki followed in the 3rd and 4th positions, while Ian Happ batted fifth. The revamped lineup proved effective as the Cubs emerged victorious.
Manager Craig Counsell expressed satisfaction with the new batting order, highlighting Morel’s ability to get on base and create scoring opportunities. Despite the lineup changes, the Cubs continued to struggle with runners in scoring position, an area they aim to improve upon in future games.
Seiya Suzuki and Michael Busch had strong performances in their new lineup positions, contributing to the team’s offensive success. Nico Hoerner, who returned to the starting lineup after recovering from a hand injury, will be closely monitored to ensure his health and performance on the field.
Overall, the Cubs’ strategic lineup changes paid off in their win against the Rays, showcasing the team’s adaptability and determination to succeed in challenging matchups. The players’ individual contributions, combined with effective pitching and timely hits, secured a crucial victory for the team as they continue to push towards success in the season.