Cubs Blank Diamondbacks Behind Gausman's Adjustments
The Chicago Cubs opened their three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks with a dominant 7-0 victory Monday night at Chase Field. Kevin Gausman delivered his best start since joining the Cubs, pitching seven scoreless innings while allowing only three hits and striking out six, as reported by Sports Illustrated.
Gausman's performance was notable for a strategic adjustment. He increased his fastball usage from his season average of 50.8 percent to 66.0 percent, throwing 27 splitters. The Diamondbacks appeared to be sitting on his splitter, but Gausman consistently attacked with his fastball, recording 24 called strike fastballs — tied for the second most in the Statcast era, according to Meghan Montemurro. Manager Craig Counsell credited Gausman's fastball as the key to the outing. The Chicago Sun-Times also noted Gausman's seven shutout innings Monday, calling it a strong showing.
The Cubs' offense supported Gausman with power. Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly hit back-to-back home runs in the sixth inning, part of a night that saw the Cubs score seven runs on six extra-base hits while going 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position, according to Sports Illustrated. Pedro Ramirez contributed two hits, including an RBI triple, and has now collected six hits over his last three games. Pete Crow-Armstrong went 0-for-5, but the Cubs still produced enough offense to win comfortably.
Sign-Stealing Dispute Mars the Action
The game was not without controversy. In the fifth inning, Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly and the team's bench coach argued with Cubs third base coach Quentin Berry over alleged sign-stealing, per Sports Illustrated. Cubs bench coach Ryan Flaherty shouted back from the dugout. Counsell described the incident as "gamesmanship," while Kelly called it "bush league."
Playoff Implications and Upcoming Matchups
The win helped the Cubs gain a half-game in the NL Central, leaving them 5.5 games behind the division-leading Brewers, as reported by Sports Illustrated. In the wild-card race, the Cubs entered the series holding a two-game lead over the Phillies for the top spot, while the Diamondbacks sat two games behind the Padres for the final wild-card berth, according to a separate Sports Illustrated preview. The Cubs' record stood at 75-56 before the game, while Arizona was 69-62.
The Diamondbacks were without star second baseman Ketel Marte, who is on the 10-day injured list with left knee inflammation and hamstring soreness. Sports Illustrated noted that Marte was reportedly seen at a casino during a game last week, though the report did not provide further details. Ildemaro Vargas started at second base in his place.
Michael Conforto continued at designated hitter, a day after hitting a home run in Seattle. He entered the game with a 1.071 OPS against Merrill Kelly, who has struggled this season with a 5.37 ERA, allowing five or more runs in three of his last four starts. The Cubs had previously scored six runs in 4.1 innings off Kelly earlier this year, and Michael Busch has a home run and a double in 10 plate appearances against the Diamondbacks' right-hander.
The series continues Tuesday with Clay Holmes scheduled to face Brandon Prfaadt, according to the Sports Illustrated preview.
Rotation Depth Under Scrutiny
Despite the Cubs' offensive firepower — they lead the major leagues in runs per game, as noted by the Chicago Sun-Times — questions persist about their playoff rotation. Counsell acknowledged last week that the team lacks a clear No. 1 starter, saying, "I would say we don't have that. I don't think many teams do." The Sun-Times framed this as a potential weakness, especially compared to other playoff contenders. The Phillies boast a trio of starters in Christopher Sanchez, Zack Wheeler, and Jesus Luzardo, while the Brewers have Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski and the best team ERA in the majors.
Matthew Boyd, the 35-year-old lefty who started Game 1 of the postseason last year, has expressed interest in filling that role. "I want that," Boyd said when asked about being the Game 1 starter, according to the Sun-Times. He cited Jon Lester and Mark Buehrle as lefties who succeeded without overpowering stuff and spoke emotionally about his late grandfather, a Cubs fan.
However, Boyd has had two straight rough outings following a stellar nine-start stretch. The Cubs have an abundance of starting arms, including David Peterson, Shota Imanaga, Edward Cabrera, and Ben Brown, who could serve as piggyback options. Dansby Swanson is expected to return from injury in September, which would bolster the defense. Boyd, who has undergone Tommy John surgery in his 30s, described the challenge of facing a lineup multiple times: "You're solving a puzzle. There's multiple nine-inning puzzles in a game."
Perspectives
Craig Counsell (Cubs manager): Expressed confidence in the team's pitching depth while acknowledging the absence of a clear ace, framing it as a common situation across the league.
Matthew Boyd (Cubs pitcher): Vocal about his desire to start Game 1, drawing inspiration from successful lefties without elite velocity to make his case.
Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks pitcher): Characterized the sign-stealing incident as "bush league," indicating tension between the two benches during the game.