The Chicago Cubs evened their series against the White Sox on Saturday night with a 6-1 win, powered by Matt Shaw’s continued home run success. Shaw hit his sixth home run of the season, marking his fourth in the last seven games, while rookie pitcher Cade Horton delivered six strong innings on the South Side.
Pitching Challenges and Defensive Highlights
Horton faced some early difficulties, including two pitch timer violations in the first two innings—a rare occurrence for a Cubs pitcher since the timer’s implementation three years ago. Despite allowing runners to reach third base in those frames, he managed to prevent any runs from scoring. After that shaky start, Horton settled in, retiring the next ten White Sox hitters in succession and limiting baserunners to only two singles that never advanced past first base.
Offensive Struggles Before Breaking Through
Chicago’s offense struggled initially against White Sox starter Aaron Civale, with the first 11 Cubs batters going down in order. The streak ended when Seiya Suzuki singled in the fourth inning, but productive hitting remained scarce. Although the Cubs loaded the bases with one out in the fifth inning, they could not capitalize on the opportunity.
Late-Game Rally Led by Key Home Runs
The Cubs finally broke through in the seventh inning, beginning with Ian Happ’s solo home run with one out. Following a strikeout by Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner singled, setting the stage for Shaw’s powerful at-bat. Shaw’s home run drove in three runs and proved decisive in the 6-1 victory.
Significance of Shaw’s Continued Power at the Plate
Matt Shaw’s recent surge in home runs has been a major bright spot for the Cubs this season, especially as rookie contributors like Horton gain experience on the mound. This win not only balanced the series but also highlighted the potential impact of Chicago’s young players going forward against divisional rivals on the South Side.