Kyle Tucker went 3-for-4 with a homer to help lead the Chicago Cubs to a 2-1 victory over the host Miami Marlins on Wednesday.
Tucker, who had his second three-hit game in as many days, was involved in both runs for the Cubs, who have won five of their last six games.
His 8th-inning hit to left led to Matt Shaw scoring the go-ahead run after Kyle Stowers let the ball get past him in the outfield. Anthony Bender (1-3) walked Shaw, the Cubs’ ninth-place hitter, on four pitches to start the eighth. Shaw stole second ahead of Tucker’s hit and the miscue for an unearned run.
Brad Keller (1-0) got a double play to end the Marlins’ seventh and then retired the side in order in the eighth. Daniel Palencia got three flyouts to earn his first save of the season.
In a getaway day matinee, both teams got strong outings from their starters in the rubber match of the three-game series.
Rookie starter Cade Horton pitched 5 1/3 innings for the Cubs. The No. 2 prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, enjoyed his best performance since getting promoted from the minors earlier this month. He allowed just one run on six hits and three walks, striking out three in the longest outing of his three appearances.
Miami’s Max Meyer matched Horton in the pitchers’ duel. He allowed one run on five hits and a walk while striking out four. It was the best performance for the righty since tossing six shutout frames and striking out 14 Cincinnati Reds a month ago.
Meyer allowed Tucker’s homer to right field, his 12th of the season, with one out in the first.
Miami countered with a run in the bottom of the first.
With two out and the bases loaded, Shaw kept Connor Norby’s hard-hit grounder from getting through to left field. However, his throw to first took Michael Busch off the bag, allowing Agustin Ramirez to score.
–Field Level Media
