Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 9, A's 2 - September 16, 2024
Cubs Beat A's 9-2 for Fourth Straight Win
The Chicago Cubs extended their winning streak to four games with a 9-2 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Monday night at Wrigley Field. The Cubs scored early and often, chasing A's starter Paul Blackburn from the game after just 3 1/3 innings. Chicago's offense was led by Patrick Wisdom, who went 3-for-4 with two home runs and five RBIs.
The Cubs jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run homer by Wisdom. They added another run in the second on an RBI single by Seiya Suzuki. The A's got on the board in the third inning on a solo homer by Ramon Laureano, but the Cubs answered right back with two more runs in the bottom of the inning on a double by Wisdom and a single by Nico Hoerner.
The Cubs put the game away with a four-run fifth inning. Wisdom hit his second homer of the game, a three-run shot, and Hoerner added an RBI single. The A's scored one more run in the sixth inning on a groundout by Shea Langeliers, but it was too little, too late.
Cubs Starter Justin Steele Impresses Again
Cubs starter Justin Steele continued his impressive season with another strong outing on Monday night. Steele allowed just two runs on five hits over six innings of work. He struck out seven batters and walked none. Steele is now 11-7 with a 3.48 ERA this season.
The Cubs bullpen turned in a solid performance, with Kyle Ryan, Rowan Wick, and Brandon Hughes combining to allow just one hit over the final three innings.
A's Offense Struggles
The A's offense struggled to keep up with the Cubs on Monday night. Blackburn was roughed up for six runs on nine hits in just 3 1/3 innings. The A's bullpen wasn't much better, allowing three more runs over the final 5 2/3 innings.
The A's only managed six hits in the game, and they struck out 11 times. Laureano's homer was the only extra-base hit for Oakland.
What's Next?
The Cubs will go for their fifth straight win on Tuesday night when they host the A's in the second game of their three-game series. Kyle Hendricks will start for the Cubs, while James Kaprielian will start for the A's.
The A's will look to snap their four-game losing streak on Tuesday night.
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