Justin Turner delivered a dramatic walkoff home run on Sunday at Wrigley Field, securing a 5-3 win for the Chicago Cubs over the Baltimore Orioles. Despite diminished playing time following the acquisition of Willi Castro, Turner capitalized on a first-pitch fastball to turn the game around in the bottom of the ninth inning.
The Justin Turner Cubs walkoff homer energized the Wrigley Field crowd as it marked the Cubs’ sixth walkoff win of the season, an important boost for the team amid a competitive NL Central race.
Significant Milestone in Cubs’ Walkoff History
According to baseball analyst JohnW53 from BCB, this game added another notable entry to Cubs lore. It was the franchise’s 996th walkoff victory in regular season play since 1876, with 898 coming after 1901 in the modern era. Of these, 955 walkoffs occurred at home, 793 specifically at Wrigley Field.
Turner’s homer was the 195th walkoff hit by the Cubs, including 185 in the modern era and 181 at Wrigley Field. The team is nearing a major milestone with the approach of their 1,000th walkoff win. The outing was also the Cubs’ first walkoff home run since Mike Tauchman’s winning hit against the White Sox on June 5, 2024.
Early Cubs Offense Builds Lead
Chicago jumped ahead early in the game, scoring two runs in the first inning. Michael Busch reached second base when Orioles right fielder Jeremiah Jackson mishandled a routine fly ball. Following a sacrifice bunt by Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki’s single brought Busch home, putting the Cubs on the board.
Pete Crow-Armstrong secured the second out with a sharp line drive. Carson Kelly then drew a walk, allowing Suzuki to advance to second. Shortly after, Ian Happ delivered a double that brought Suzuki home, stretching the Cubs’ lead to 2-0.
Orioles Fight Back to Tie the Game
The Orioles responded in the next innings, scoring a run in the third after a hit-by-pitch and leveling the score in the fourth inning. Cubs starter Colin Rea worked 4⅔ innings, allowing two runs before manager Craig Counsell called on reliever Drew Pomeranz in the fifth inning. Although Pomeranz walked one batter, he struck out catcher Adley Rutschman to end the frame and retired the side in order in the sixth.
BCB’s JohnW53 noted that this was one of the 28 games this season where a Cubs starter did not complete five innings, a common trend in Chicago’s pitching strategies. Rea’s performance was marked as one of six such starts by a non-opener allowing two or fewer runs.
Defensive Highlights from Cubs Players
Dansby Swanson contributed a key defensive play in the fourth inning, helping preserve the scoreline during Rea’s outing and providing crucial support to the pitching staff. The Cubs briefly regained the lead in the sixth inning following two quick outs.
Willi Castro singled and advanced to third on a subsequent hit by Nico Hoerner, setting the stage for Swanson at bat. Although the game remained close, Cubs pitchers Andrew Kittredge and Brad Keller combined to throw clean seventh and eighth innings respectively.
Late-Inning Tension and Orioles Comeback Attempt
Daniel Palencia entered the ninth inning with a save opportunity but allowed a leadoff double to Colton Cowser. After retiring two batters, Palencia faced Ryan Noda, a pinch hitter recently recalled from Triple-A. Noda delivered a single that scored Cowser, sending the Orioles to a 3-3 tie and handing Palencia his second blown save of the season.
Despite this setback, the Cubs wasted no time seizing the chance to end the game. Dansby Swanson reached base safely after an errant throw by Orioles third baseman Jordan Westburg, putting the winning run in scoring position.
Turner’s Game-Winning Swing and Postgame Reaction
With Michael Busch struggling at the plate, Cubs manager selected Turner to bat against left-handed pitcher Keegan Akin in the bottom of the ninth. Turner swung at the first pitch, a fastball down the middle, sending it over the fence for the walkoff homer that thrilled the home fans and ended the game 5-3.
The victory sparked relief and excitement among supporters following the previous day’s tough loss. Turner’s readiness and ability to connect on a first-pitch offering proved decisive in this intensely fought contest.
Upcoming Challenges for Cubs and Division Rivals
The Cubs remain two games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central standings. Milwaukee completed a dominant three-game sweep of the Washington Nationals, scoring 38 runs in the series, underscoring the challenge Chicago faces in catching them. The Brewers are set to face the Atlanta Braves next, which promises stiffer competition.
Meanwhile, the Cubs prepare to host the Cincinnati Reds for a three-game series beginning Monday evening. The Cubs will introduce Michael Soroka as their starting pitcher for the opener, facing Reds starter Nick Lodolo. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT, with coverage on Marquee Sports Network.