Chicago Cubs: Team rallies late, bails out Tyler Chatwood at Wrigley

As Tyler Chatwood struggled yet again, the Chicago Cubs offense rallied late to snap the team’s skid against the last-place Cincinnati Reds on Saturday.

I wouldn’t call the Chicago Cubs win on Saturday pretty, but it counts just the same in the standings. Trailing by five runs on two separate instances in the game, the offense erupted for four runs in the eighth behind yet another clutch knock from Ben Zobrist.

Along with Zobrist, Javier Baez continued to make his case for an All-Star Game nod. He collected four hits, driving in a pair – including hitting his team-leading 17th home run. On the mound, Tyler Chatwood struggled again. Before the Cubs even came to the dish, he allowed two runs to score via wild pitch. Joe Maddon milked him for all he’s worth, pushing him to a career-high 120 pitches before turning things over to the pen.

And it was right about then things turned around for Chicago. The win, coupled with a Brewers loss to the Braves, pulled the Cubs within 1 1/2 games of first. They still hold a one-game edge in the race for the wild card – but that’s hardly the target we’re shooting at.

One thing is abundantly clear: the National League Central seems to be a dogfight. One that isn’t likely to slow up anytime soon, either. After narrowly missing out on a division title last year, Milwaukee wants to finish the job in 2018. The Cubs, meanwhile, are seeking a third consecutive NL Central crown. Time will tell who comes out on top.

From the dark depths of Twitter

Cubs reliever Randy Rosario gets first MLB hit and RBI and at first you could see him say "thank you" to Joey Votto. Votto then turned around and called for the ball.

Joey Votto Rules.
— Matt Snyder (@MattSnyderCBS) July 7, 2018

Man, if the Cubs DFA'd everyone Cubs Twitter wanted them to over the last couple years it'd basically be Javy and Almora trying to cover the entire field defensively. Which they may be able to do...
— Sahadev Sharma (@sahadevsharma) July 7, 2018

These and other stories you may have missed

How much longer do the Cubs go with Chatwood? – Cubbies Crib

The ‘ Comeback Cubs’ earn their nickname yet again – The Athletic

Central looking like a long-term battle for Cubs – Cubbies Crib

Rehab assignment may be coming for Bryant – Bleacher Nation

Why do the Reds keep giving the Cubs fits? – Cubbies Crib

Next: Cubs will target pitching - here are names to consider

What’s Next

Jon Lester looks for the series win against Luis Castillo Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field. This concludes the Cubs’ first-half home schedule. Chicago then heads out west heading into the All-Star Break.

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