The Cubs grabbed a 6-4 win over the Royals in Game 117 on August 7. This victory came against a Kansas City squad that sits 20 games under .500. Per Bleed Cubbie Blue (SBN Cubs), the team is deep in a rough patch with a roster full of holes.
Pete Crow-Armstrong was the clear star of the night. He earned a win probability added of .215 while going 1-for-3 with two walks and a stolen base. His single in the second inning scored two runs, pushing the Cubs ahead. One run came on that hit while the other scored on a fielding error. The result was a massive boost in win probability for the home side.
A Hero Amidst the Grind
The Cubs have played 14 games in their current 17-game stretch without an off day. They hold a 10-4 record during this tough run. Per Bleed Cubbie Blue (SBN Cubs), this win adds another layer to a grueling schedule that tests every player.
Kevin Gausman pitched seven innings and allowed just two runs on four hits. He struck out four batters and earned a WPA of .174. Seiya Suzuki also helped the cause with a WPA of .116. He went 2-for-5 with two RBIs to support the pitching.
The Royals are missing a lot of talent due to injuries. They lost Kris Bubic, Cole Ragans, and Carlos Estevez to significant health issues. The list also includes Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek, Luinder Avila, and Nick Mears. Even their offense has struggled since the start of the year. Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez have not performed well enough to carry the team.
The Goats and the Struggle
Not every player had a good night for Chicago. Nico Hoerner went 0-for-5 and finished with a negative WPA of -.078. Ian Happ struck out four times in four at-bats. His WPA dropped to -.064. Even with these struggles, the team found a way to win.
On the other side, Caleb Thielbar was the main goat for Kansas City. He pitched just 0.1 innings and gave up three hits and two runs. His WPA was -.144. The Royals did have one bright spot when Isaac Collins hit an RBI double in the first inning. That play had a WPA of .104, but it was not enough to stop the Cubs.
Bobby Witt Jr. returned to the lineup this week from a back injury. The Royals also kept Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo instead of trading them at the deadline. Randy Dobnak has been a rare bright spot with a 1.16 ERA in his first four starts. Yet, the team still holds one of the worst records in all of Major League Baseball.
The Cubs need to keep this momentum going. They face a long road ahead without rest. But beating a team that has lost so many key players proves they can find wins even when things look tough. The win shows that depth and grit can overcome a lack of star power on the mound. (more on that in Pete Crow-Armstrong Reveals Bizarre Theory That Stuns Baseball Fans Worldwide)
