Kyle Tucker continued to power the surging Chicago Cubs on Wednesday, delivering a go-ahead single in the eighth inning that turned into the game-winning run thanks to a costly misplay in left field, as the Cubs edged the Miami Marlins 2-1 at LoanDepot Park.
Tucker, who finished with three hits including a solo homer, broke a 1-1 tie with a sharp single to left that should have held rookie Matt Shaw at third. But Marlins outfielder Kyle Stowers overran the ball, allowing Shaw to dash home from third and put the Cubs ahead for good.
“I was just trying to put the ball in play, stay short, and good things happened,” said Tucker, who now has 12 home runs on the season.
The Cubs, leaders of the NL Central, have now won seven of their last nine games. The victory gave Chicago the series win after Monday’s walk-off loss.
The Cubs struck early for the second straight game thanks to Tucker. Facing Marlins rookie Max Meyer in the first inning, the All-Star outfielder launched a 385-foot solo shot to right field, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. It was Tucker’s second homer in as many games and his 12th of the year.
The Marlins answered right away in the bottom half. With the bases loaded and two outs, Connor Norby legged out an infield single to drive in the tying run. But Chicago second baseman Nico Hoerner saved at least another run, making a diving stop on Matt Mervis’ sharp grounder and throwing him out to end the inning. That defensive gem proved crucial.
Both starters settled in from there. Meyer worked six strong innings, giving up one run on five hits with a walk and four strikeouts. Cubs rookie Cade Horton, making just his second big league start, matched him nearly pitch-for-pitch. Horton allowed one run and six hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out three and walking three.
The eighth-inning rally began when Shaw drew a leadoff walk against reliever Anthony Bender (1-3) and promptly stole second. Tucker followed with his second single of the game, sending a line drive into left. Stowers misplayed the ball, and Shaw alertly raced home for the deciding run.
Brad Keller (1-0) earned the win with 1 1/3 innings of scoreless relief, his first victory since 2023. Daniel Palencia closed it out with a clean ninth for his first career save.
All six of Miami’s hits came in the first three innings, as Chicago’s bullpen slammed the door. Tucker’s hot streak continues: over his last 10 games, he’s batting well over .350 with multiple extra-base hits. Nico Hoerner’s first-inning diving play helped prevent the Marlins from gaining early momentum.
The Cubs will hit the road to open a three-game series against division rival Cincinnati on Friday. Chicago has not yet named a starter.
The Marlins head west to face the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. Reigning NL Cy Young winner Sandy Alcántara (2-6, 7.99 ERA) is scheduled to start for Miami as he continues to search for consistency in a tough 2024 campaign.
