The Chicago Cubs secured a 6-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday, maintaining their grip on the National League’s top wild-card position. Right-hander Javier Assad returned from Triple-A to make his first start in a month, delivering a gritty performance despite struggling with his control. Assad issued five walks—a season high—while allowing three hits and three runs across 4 2/3 innings, but managed to keep the Cubs competitive throughout his outing.
The Cubs’ offense proved sufficient to overcome Assad’s command issues, with Michael Conforto launching his 14th home run of the season in the third inning. Ian Happ added a two-run single with the bases loaded in the same frame, while Pete Crow-Armstrong, Nico Hoerner, and Michael Busch each contributed run-scoring hits in subsequent innings. The Marlins mounted a comeback threat when reliever Caleb Thielbar immediately surrendered a two-run homer to Griffin Conine upon entering the game, but Chicago’s lead held firm.
The Cubs’ bullpen proved essential down the stretch. Ryan Rolison escaped a seventh-inning jam with two runners in scoring position, and Ryan Zeferjahn earned his first save as a Cub by retiring the final five batters. Zeferjahn’s composed eighth and ninth-inning performances secured the victory and positioned Chicago to pursue a series sweep Sunday with right-hander Clay Holmes scheduled to start.
Originally reported by Sports.yahoo →
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