Stephanie: Sean, I know we're supposed to preview today's game, but I can't stop thinking about last night. Nine unanswered runs. Nine. The Reds turned a 8-1 Cubs lead into a 10-8 disaster. How do you flush that one?
Sean: You don't fully flush it, Stephanie. That was a gut punch, especially with the wild card race this tight. But here's the thing — the sun came up, the Cubs are still 76-59, and they get a chance at redemption this afternoon. That's what we're here to talk about.
Stephanie: Welcome back to the Beatline Podcast Network, Cubs fans! I'm Stephanie, joined by the one and only Sean. It's August 29th, and the Cubs are back at Wrigley for the rubber match against the Reds after a brutal loss last night. We've got a lot to unpack.
Sean: That's right. Today we're looking at the series finale, the pitching matchup, key hitters, bullpen concerns, and what the Cubs need to do to avoid dropping the series to a last-place team.
Stephanie: Plus, we'll make our bold predictions for today's game. And hey, we've got to talk about Matt Shaw being activated after two months on the IL — that's a big deal. Let's dive in.
Stephanie: Alright Sean, let's start with the pitching matchup. The Cubs lost a heartbreaker last night, but they've got a chance to salvage the series today. Who's on the mound for the Cubs?
Sean: The Cubs are sending left-hander Shota Imanaga to the hill. He's been their ace all season, and he's coming off a stretch where he's been dealing. In his last start against the Diamondbacks, he went seven shutout innings — exactly what we predicted, by the way.
Stephanie: Ha! You called that one. Seven shutout innings, struck out eight. Imanaga has been a stud, but the Reds roughed up the Cubs' bullpen last night. How does he match up against Cincinnati?
Sean: Imanaga has been tough on lefties and righties alike with that splitter. The Reds have some power in that lineup — Tyler Stephenson hit a three-run homer last night, and they've got guys like Friedl and Stewart who can go deep. But Imanaga's command has been elite, and he's got the ability to keep hitters off balance.
Stephanie: And who's opposing him? The Reds have been a bit of a mess with injuries, right?
Sean: Yeah, their rotation is banged up. They've got guys on the IL like Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson, and Hunter Harvey. For today, they haven't announced a starter yet, but it looks like a bullpen game or maybe a spot start. That's an opportunity for the Cubs to get to their pen early.
Stephanie: So the Cubs should feel good about their chances with Imanaga on the mound and a struggling Reds staff. But we said that yesterday too, and look what happened.
Sean: True, but last night was a blip. The Cubs had an 8-1 lead and the pen blew it. That's not on the starters. Today, Imanaga needs to give them length, and the offense needs to keep pressure on. If they can get to the Reds' bullpen early, they've got a great shot.
Stephanie: Alright, let's keep that in mind. Stick with us — after the break, we're talking about the bats and the bullpen, including that disastrous ninth inning from last night.
Stephanie: Welcome back. Sean, let's talk offense. The Cubs scored eight runs last night, which is usually enough to win. But the bullpen couldn't hold it. What did you see from the hitters that gives you confidence today?
Sean: Well, Pete Crow-Armstrong had a big game — he homered and stole a base, just like you predicted on the last episode. That kid is electric. And Seiya Suzuki drove in runs. The heart of the order is producing. But we need more consistency from the bottom of the lineup.
Stephanie: Speaking of the lineup, Matt Shaw is back. He was activated from the IL after missing two months with a sprained left hand. That's a huge boost for the infield depth, isn't it?
Sean: Absolutely. Shaw gives them versatility — he can play third, second, even the outfield. And he was hitting well before the injury. His return adds another bat and lets guys like Nico Hoerner get a breather. Hoerner's been on a tear all season, taking that unique path to stardom.
Stephanie: Nico Hoerner — he's been a doubles machine, and his OBP is elite. But the bullpen, Sean. That's the elephant in the room. Last night, they gave up nine unanswered runs. What's going on?
Sean: It's a mess, honestly. They've got guys on the IL like Edward Cabrera, Shelby Miller, and Hunter Harvey. That's a lot of firepower missing. But the guys they're trotting out there have to execute. Caleb Thielbar and Trent Thornton have been inconsistent. The Cubs need someone to step up in high-leverage spots.
Stephanie: And what about the ABS challenge system? That's been a talking point all season. Did that play a role last night?
Sean: Not that I saw, but it's something to watch. The Cubs have been decent at challenges, but it's a crapshoot sometimes. More importantly, the pitching staff has to avoid walks and keep the ball in the yard. The Reds hit four homers last night — that's unacceptable.
Stephanie: Alright, so the offense is fine, but the bullpen is a concern. And with the Reds having a bunch of injured guys, they might be swinging for the fences. How do the Cubs counter that?
Sean: They need Imanaga to go deep into the game — seven or eight innings if possible. And they need to get an early lead and then shorten the game. Maybe use Clay Holmes in a setup role if needed, though he's been starting. But the bullpen has to be better, plain and simple.
Stephanie: So the keys are clear: get to the Reds' bullpen early, get a lead, and pray the pen holds. We'll see if they can do it. After the break, we're making our bold predictions for today's game.
Stephanie: We're back. Sean, let's get to the keys to the series. The Cubs need to win today to avoid dropping the series to a team that's 63-71. What's the number one key?
Sean: It's got to be starting pitching. Imanaga has to be the stopper. He's been their ace all year, and he needs to deliver a quality start — at least six or seven innings with two or fewer runs. If he does that, the Cubs have a great chance.
Stephanie: And beyond Imanaga, what else? The offense was great last night, but they left some runs out there too.
Sean: Right, they had runners in scoring position and didn't cash in. They need to be more opportunistic. And they need to avoid giving the Reds extra outs — no defensive lapses. The Reds are a dangerous team when they get momentum.
Stephanie: Alright, I'm ready to make my prediction. You know I've been on a roll. Last time I said Crow-Armstrong would homer and steal a base — he did both. Today, I'm going to say the Cubs bounce back with a big win, and Imanaga goes seven strong innings. Cubs win 6-2.
Sean: Not bad. I think the Cubs win too, but I see it a little tighter. I'm going to say Imanaga goes seven, strikes out nine, and the Cubs win 4-2, with Seiya Suzuki driving in the go-ahead run in the sixth. That feels like a classic Cubs-Reds game at Wrigley.
Stephanie: I love it. Two bold predictions, and we'll see who's right. But before we go, let's recap: the Cubs need a win to split the series, Imanaga needs to be the stopper, and the bullpen has to be better.
Stephanie: That's all for today's episode of the Beatline Podcast Network. Make sure to subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast app. Share this episode with your Cubs crew, and let's get that win today!
Sean: Go Cubs go! We'll talk to you next time.