Cubs Dominate Marlins on a Wrigley Friday

The Leadoff Man

After a rain-induced rest, the Cubs came back swinging hard against Miami, dominating with a 7-0 lead by the third inning. While it wasn’t a power show, it was a strategic display of singles, doubles, and smart base running that dismantled the Marlins early on As the scars from last week’s San Diego 8-0 lead becoming a 9-8 loss linger, today’s performance offered a soothing balm. With a big double header looming, let's dissect yesterday's triumphs and peek into tomorrow’s matchups.

Hit Early, Hit Often

The Cubs lit up the scoreboard in a dazzling display of early-game-hitting and Jameson Taillon is back and looks

Fresh off a rest day and a taxing West Coast trip, the Cubs wasted no time asserting their dominance on home turf. Key plays like Cody Bellinger’s deflected single, Nico Hoerner's and Dansby Swanson’s timely doubles, and a crucial series of hits that piled on the runs showcased a team that clicked perfectly. The strategic hits accumulated a massive early lead, setting the tone for a game that seemed decided before it barely began

Jameson Taillon looked incredible in his first start of the year for the Cubs. He had missed the first couple of weeks of the season with back tightness. He threw 53 of his 73 pitches for strikes, retiring the first 10 batters he faced. He was exactly what the Cubs needed from a starter in his first outing of the year. His lone setback was a home run to Bryan De La Cruz, which would have been just a double in 29 other ballparks!"

Precaution or Concern for Ian Happ?

 Ian Happ's early exit stirred concerns amidst an assured team performance. 

In the seventh inning, with the Cubs comfortably ahead, Gold Glove left fielder Ian Happ was seen conferring with manager Craig Counsell and the team trainer before making an early exit. After the game, Craig Counsell said that Ian Happ left the game with “left hamstring tightness… It was precautionary.. We’ll see what that means for the rest of the weekend” Even a move likely being a precautionary measure. However, the recent memory of Seiya Suzuki's injury casts a long shadow over the dugout, turning every unexpected conversation into a potential alarm. While the talent in Iowa shows promise, they are not yet ready for the big league spotlight.

Dude Day Doubleheader Saturday!

Tomorrow’s lineup: strategic plays against lefty Jesus Luzardo and MLB Debut Roddery Munoz.

A Saturday Doubleheader in April where it’s going to be just me and my 8-year-old son! I’m excited for a Dude’s Day Doubleheader!

Game one brings Jesus Luzardo to the mound, a left-hander who has struggled against lefties this season. Expect the Cubs to field left-handed hitters like Tauchman, Busch, and Happ, aiming to exploit Luzardo's weaknesses.

Game two features Roddery Munoz making his major league debut. Given Munoz’s shaky performance in AAA, the Cubs will look to unsettle the rookie early. Munoz has an ERA this year of over 10, which means he's giving up more than 10 earned runs per game! That's not a typo—it's against AAA players, not the Chicago Cubs, who put up 8 runs on Friday afternoon at the Friendly Confines."

Success for the Cubs means aggressive batting that doesn’t let Munoz settle into any rhythm, ideally knocking him out before he sees the lineup a 3rd time.

The Closer

Today’s game was a clinic in baseball fundamentals executed under pressure, an encouraging sign as the Cubs head into a packed schedule. Tomorrow’s doubleheader poses unique challenges but also significant opportunities to build on today’s momentum. As fans, we’re set for an exhilarating day of baseball—perfect for watching with friends or family.

As we rally behind our Cubs, share this excitement, and help “Cubs Superfans” grow. Forward this newsletter to a fellow Cubs enthusiast and help us reach 50 subscribers by June 1st. Let’s make every game a home game with our community cheering together!

Happy Birthday to Superfan Michael who will be going to the game tomorrow for his 30-something birthday! Send photos!