Buschwhacker Blasts: Michael Busch's Home Run Streak Ignites Cubs Fans

The Leadoff Man

Buckle up, Cubs fans! Michael Busch is making headlines with his explosive start to the season, notching home runs in four consecutive games. Meanwhile, a rare game-ending pick-off echoes feats from Cubs history, adding a touch of nostalgia to our recent victory. As we head into a challenging series against the Diamondbacks, the resilience of our team will be under the spotlight. Let’s get into the details.

Michael Busch's Home Run Streak

Busch Power: Michael’s HR streak includes 4 HR, all smashed on two strikes. 

Michael Busch is swinging for the fences and the hearts of Cubs fans, showcasing a thrilling home run streak with four homers—all delivered under the pressure of two strikes. This streak, including a towering 437 ft homer against the Mariners pitcher Luis Castillo, underscores his cool under pressure and his ability to deliver when it counts the most. With a batting average of .327, he's not just hitting; he's making every at-bat count, becoming a staple at first base daily. I had expected Busch to platoon with Garrett Cooper this April so this is a great situation that Jed Hoyer has built for the Cubs. Let's keep our eyes peeled—Busch is turning every AB into a must-watch event!

Rare Game-Ending Walk-off Pick-Off 

Historic Play: A game-ending pick-off recalls a rare Cubs feats from 1989. 

In a twist right out of the history books, the Cubs clinched their latest victory with a dramatic pick-off at first base—a rare and exhilarating way to seal a game. This feat of ending a game on a pickoff throw is extremely rare but was done by former Cubs pitcher Mitch “Wild Thing” Williams in 1989, where he secured a save against the Padres without throwing a single pitch. This is the same “Wild Thing” I mentioned the other day. To be honest I hadn’t thought of Mitch Williams in nearly 30 years and now he comes up 2x this weekend.

Read about both of his game ending walk-off pick-off’s here!

Upcoming Series Against Diamondbacks

Arizona Challenge: The Cubs face a tough series on the road as they close their West Coast trip. As the Cubs round out their West Coast swing, they're gearing up for a pivotal series against the Diamondbacks, coinciding with Jackie Robinson Day. The stakes are particularly high as new and familiar faces take the mound in Arizona, testing the Cubs' depth and resilience. This series isn't just another set of games; it's a critical gauge of our team's ability to handle adversity. Here’s how the matchups break down:

• Cubs vs Diamondbacks - Monday 8:40 PM CDT - Ben Brown vs Merrill Kelly Ben Brown is stepping up in a crucial role, coming off a solid win. He faces Merrill Kelly, who has a mixed record against the Cubs, sporting a 4.13 ERA in five career starts. This game sets the tone for the series, with Brown looking to establish himself further in the rotation.

• Cubs vs Diamondbacks - Tuesday 8:40 PM CDT - Kyle Hendricks vs Tommy Henry Kyle Hendricks, aiming to bounce back from recent performances, faces Tommy Henry. With expectations for a high-scoring game, this matchup could be key for bettors and fans alike, especially if the over/under hits 8.5 or higher.

• Cubs vs Diamondbacks - Wednesday 2:40 CDT- Jordan Wicks vs Brandon Pfaadt Jordan Wicks takes the mound in the series finale. As a young arm showing promise, Wicks' performance will be crucial as the Cubs aim to secure at least one win in the series, hoping for two to cap off the road trip.

The Closer

As we chart the course to Arizona this week, the emerging talent in the Cubs lineup is making every game a spectacle. Michael Busch's heroics at the plate have sparked not just runs, but also hope and excitement among us fans.

With the upcoming series against the Diamondbacks, the stakes are high and it’s going to be hard fought series. Our pitching has been holding the line, and while it's not always dazzling, it's been effective enough to keep us competitive. Much like the Mullet making a comeback, I can't promise I won't bring up Mitch Williams and his iconic '90s mullet again—after all, some styles are as unforgettable as those nail-biting saves.

So, what do you think our chances are in these upcoming games? Let’s continue this discussion, rally behind our Cubs, and cheer them on through this challenging stretch. Here’s to seizing a few wins in Arizona and, as always, Go Cubs Go!