The Chicago Cubs secured a 3-2 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Saturday, with Ian Happ hitting a home run in the first inning and Michael Busch contributing with a two-run triple. The Cubs, led by Dansby Swanson’s two hits, claimed their second consecutive win after a three-game loss streak against the Cleveland Guardians.
Nate Pearson, one of the seven pitchers used by the Cubs, pitched two scoreless innings, allowing only one hit and earning the victory. Jorge López closed the game by striking out George Springer, Daulton Varsho, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., securing his third save in three opportunities despite giving up a homer in the ninth.
For the Blue Jays, Addison Barger hit his third home run of the season, and Varsho recorded two hits and an RBI. Chris Bassitt, with a record of 9-12, surrendered three runs on five hits in five innings, including five strikeouts and two walks.
The match experienced two delays in the second inning, lasting 39 and 16 minutes, which constrained Cubs starter Justin Steele to pitch only two hitless innings. Happ started the scoring with his 22nd home run of the season on the first pitch by Bassitt, marking his second consecutive game with a home run and his seventh career leadoff homer.
Busch extended the Cubs’ lead to 3-0 in the fifth inning with his two-run triple after Pete Crow-Armstrong’s bunt single and Miguel Amayas’ fielder’s choice. Varsho’s bunt single in the seventh narrowed Toronto’s deficit to 3-1 after singles by Steward Berrora and Springer.
Despite leaving the bases loaded in the fourth inning, the Blue Jays couldn’t overcome the Cubs. Pearson, who was traded from Toronto on July 27, managed to strike out Davis Schneider and get Berroa to fly out after allowing a double to Guerrero and two walks.
In terms of injuries, Blue Jays’ SS Leo Jiménez exited the game in the second inning due to right knee soreness. In the next game, RHP Bowden Francis (5-3, 4.92 ERA) will start for the Blue Jays against Cubs’ LHP Shota Imanaga (9-2, 3.16) in the series finale.