LOS ANGELES — The Chicago Cubs delivered a stunning performance on Saturday night, defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers 16-0 at Dodger Stadium. This victory not only marked the Cubs' first win against the defending World Series champions by double digits since interleague play began in 1997, but it also handed the Dodgers their worst home shutout loss in franchise history.
The Cubs, now 10-7 on the season, took control of the game with a powerful offensive display, scoring 14 of their runs in the final three innings. Eleven players contributed hits, showcasing a balanced attack that overwhelmed the Dodgers' pitching staff. Miguel Amaya, who stepped in for Seiya Suzuki after he exited due to right wrist pain, made a significant impact, hitting 2-for-3 with a home run and three RBIs.
Starting pitcher Ben Brown was exceptional, tossing six scoreless innings and allowing just five hits, all singles. He struck out five batters and did not issue any walks, demonstrating his command against a formidable lineup. "He turned it completely around and just attacked the strike zone, and I thought he pitched wonderfully," said Cubs manager Craig Counsell, praising Brown's performance.
The scoring began in the second inning when Michael Busch launched a solo home run off Dodgers starter Roki Sasaki. Busch, who finished the game with four hits and three RBIs, nearly added another homer in the third inning, only to be robbed by former minor-league teammate Andy Pages. "Didn’t want him to do it so we’re going to have to have a conversation about that later," Busch joked about the catch.
As the game progressed, the Cubs' offense exploded. Justin Turner drove in Busch to extend the lead to 2-0, and then the Cubs unleashed a barrage of runs in the seventh and eighth innings. Carson Kelly and Amaya both hit home runs during this stretch, with Kelly notably hitting a two-run blast off infielder Miguel Rojas, who took the mound to relieve the beleaguered Dodgers bullpen. Kelly's home run was particularly memorable, as it came on a 39.6 mph ephus pitch, the third-slowest in Statcast history since 2015.
Despite the dominant win, the Cubs faced a potential setback with the injury to Suzuki. The designated hitter left the game in the fifth inning after experiencing discomfort in his wrist, an issue he had been dealing with since a headfirst slide earlier in the week. "When I make perfect contact it’s fine," Suzuki explained through interpreter Edwin Stanberry. "Sometimes there’s a weird sensation with a swing and a miss or a foul ball if I get jammed a little bit." He is currently listed as day to day, and his absence would be a significant loss for the Cubs, given his impressive start to the season, where he was hitting .302 with a .400 on-base percentage, four home runs, and 15 RBIs.
As the Cubs continue to lead the NL Central division, the team is optimistic about their depth, as evidenced by Amaya's performance in Suzuki's absence. "From one to nine, everybody’s ready to do damage," Amaya said, reflecting the team's confidence and determination. The Cubs' offense is clicking, and with contributions from multiple players, they appear poised to make a strong push this season.
Looking ahead, the Cubs will need to monitor Suzuki's condition closely. His injury history, including a five-week absence in 2022 due to a left ring finger sprain, raises concerns about his long-term health. If he is unable to play, it will be crucial for other players to step up and fill the void.
The Cubs' recent performance against the Dodgers serves as a reminder of their potential. With a combination of solid pitching and a potent offense, they are establishing themselves as a team to watch in the early part of the season. As they move forward, the Cubs will aim to maintain their momentum and continue their quest for success in the competitive landscape of Major League Baseball.
