Cubs Rookie Cade Horton Aims to Keep Braves at Bay in Pivotal Showdown
The Chicago Cubs are set to face off against the Atlanta Braves once again as their three-game series continues at Truist Park. After dropping the first game 4-1 on Monday evening, the Cubs (81-63) are looking to bounce back against the Braves (65-79) on Tuesday.
Injury Updates and Lineup Changes
Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong has made a welcomed return to the lineup, providing a boost to the team. However, they are still without outfielder Kyle Tucker, who is sidelined due to a calf injury. There’s optimism surrounding Tucker’s potential return to action, with reports suggesting he could rejoin the lineup as early as Tuesday.
Game Details and Viewing Options
Date: Tuesday, September 9
Time: 6:15 p.m. CT
Where: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia
Watch: Marquee Sports Network (Cubs); FanDuel Sports Network South and Southeast (Braves)
Listen: 670 The Score, WRTO 1200 (Cubs), 680 AM/93.7 FM The Fan, La Mejor 1600/1460/1130 AM (Braves)
Pitching Matchup: Cade Horton vs. Spencer Strider
The spotlight will be on Cubs rookie Cade Horton, who has been a revelation on the mound this season. With a record of 9-4 and a stellar 2.78 ERA, Horton is not only contributing solid innings but is also making a strong case for the National League Rookie of the Year award.
In his last outing against the Braves, Horton showcased his potential by no-hitting them for five innings, striking out six and issuing just one walk. Over his last seven starts, he has compiled a remarkable 5-1 record with a minuscule 1.03 ERA, amassing 37 strikeouts and 10 walks across 35 innings. Opponents are hitting just .226 against him, underscoring his effectiveness as a pitcher.
On the other side of the mound, Braves right-hander Spencer Strider is looking to regain his form after a tough outing against the Cubs last week. In that game, Strider struggled through five innings, yielding five hits and three earned runs, ultimately resulting in a no-decision. His recent performance has been less than stellar, posting a 1-5 record with a 7.75 ERA in his last seven starts. Strider has struck out 24 batters while walking 14 in 33.2 innings, raising concerns as he has battled inconsistency since returning from injury.
Conclusion
As the Cubs look to even the series against a struggling Braves team, all eyes will be on Cade Horton to deliver yet another strong performance. With the stakes high and playoff implications looming, every pitch will carry significant weight in this crucial matchup at Truist Park.
