Javier Assad pitched six strong innings without allowing any runs, helping the Chicago Cubs avoid their first sweep of the season by defeating the Atlanta Braves 7-1 on Wednesday night.
Assad (4-0) gave up only four hits and one walk while striking out seven batters, maintaining an impressive ERA of 1.49 across nine starts.
“I’m really happy just to stay healthy,” Assad said with the help of an interpreter. “Being able to start consistently every five or six days is something I’m grateful for.”
Pete Crow-Armstrong contributed to the Cubs’ offense with two hits, including a triple, along with two RBIs and a run scored. Seiya Suzuki and Mike Tauchman also hit home runs for the Cubs, who amassed 13 hits after struggling to score in the first two games of the series.
Nick Madrigal recorded three hits, and Michael Busch crossed the plate twice. Assad has been in excellent form lately, allowing only four earned runs in his last six starts and never conceding more than two runs in a game this season.
“He’s pitching exceptionally well,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell remarked. “What he’s accomplishing is truly remarkable. He’s off to a fantastic start, and I’m thrilled for him.”
Charlie Morton (3-1) pitched only three innings for the Braves, allowing four runs — three earned — and five hits. He also issued three walks and struck out four batters.
“Given how well they pitched in the first two games and our inability to score, getting early runs was crucial for us and helped us push their starting pitcher out of the game early,” Counsell commented.
Chicago’s Ben Brown pitched two innings in relief, conceding one run, while Luke Little closed out the game with a scoreless ninth inning.
Braves’ standout outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who played in all of Atlanta’s first 39 games, was given a day off to rest. Acuña has had a slow start to the season, batting just .245 with three home runs.
“He can use the two days off,” manager Brian Snitker remarked, referring to the Braves’ off day on Thursday. “I spoke with him last night after the game. Just wanted him to relax a bit and wake up today knowing he has two days to unwind.”
