Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/13/22): Cubs 4, Mets 1 – Cubs, Sampson Take Down deGrom
The Cubs faced a tall task against Mets ace Jacob deGrom at Citi Field on Tuesday night. Surprisingly, Chicago got their own outstanding starting pitching performance and took home the victory.
Ian Happ put the Cubs ahead in the top of the 2nd inning when he blasted a long solo home run. Adrian Sampson was very good early, keeping New York off the board through three.
Chicago used small ball to expand their lead in the top of the 4th, loading the bases with two singles and a misplayed bunt. Yan Gomes hit a sacrifice fly and Patrick Wisdom added a safety squeeze to give the road team a 3-0 edge.
Sampson ended up throwing six shutout innings to keep his team on top. David Bote padded the Cubs’ lead with a solo shot off of Seth Lugo In the top of the 7th.
Brandon Hughes attempted to go for a multi-inning save, pitching around a Pete Alonso home run to do just that. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
They got a terrific start from Sampson, who out-dueled deGrom, while the Cubs’ offense was able to create just enough offense to pull out the win.
Eye on the Future
- Happ has just kept hitting all season long and to do it against one of the best in the league is even more impressive.
- Hughes got his second consecutive save as he settles into the closer’s role.
Taking Note
- Sampson had some control issues but timely double plays got him off the hook in a very good effort: 6 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 K, and 4 BB.
- Rafael Ortega had to leave the game after taking a Jacob deGrom fastball off his finger on a bunt attempt in the 4th.
Bottom Line
On paper this looked like an easy win for New York, however, they don’t play these games on paper. Give this undermanned team a lot of credit for putting up a big effort to pull an upset. Sampson should be an important depth piece for next season’s rotation.
On Deck
The Cubs go for a sweep against the playoff-bound Mets on Wednesday at 6:10pm CT. The Mets have yet to announce a pitcher while Drew Smyly takes the mound for Chicago in a contest airing on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.
