Rookie Michael Busch hit a home run for the fourth game in a row, Javier Assad struck out six batters, and the Chicago Cubs defeated the Seattle Mariners 3-2 on Sunday.
Reliever Adbert Alzolay ended the game by picking off pinch-runner Julio Rodríguez after two double plays halted the Mariners’ rallies. Although initially called safe by first-base umpire Doug Eddings, Rodríguez was tagged out by Busch, and Alzolay was confident the call would be overturned.
Busch’s two-run homer gave the Cubs a 3-0 lead, securing their second consecutive win and clinching the series against the Mariners.
The franchise record for consecutive games with a home run is five, held by four players, including Cubs’ Christopher Morel, who achieved it last season.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Busch’s impressive performance, highlighting his four homers in as many games, which has significantly contributed to the team’s offense lately.
Seattle’s only other run came from a throwing error by pitcher Luis Castillo in the first inning. Despite allowing two runs, Assad pitched well, striking out six batters and walking only one in 5 2/3 innings.
Although the Mariners had opportunities to score, they failed to capitalize, with Mark Leiter Jr. inducing a double play in the seventh inning and Héctor Neris causing another double play in the eighth inning after loading the bases.
Mariners manager Scott Servais lamented the missed opportunities, noting that despite having chances to win the game and series, they couldn’t seize them.
