Cubs Strike Back with Convincing 8-1 Win Over Mets

The Chicago Cubs were able to turn things around after an ugly showing on Friday . Both the starting pitching and the offense gave reason for optimism that game one of this series was an aberration.

It was going to take a statement win on Saturday to get positive momentum back and that's certainly what took place.

Jameson Taillon was dealing and the offense struck early against Tylor Megill and the Mets. Once again, the Cubs have an opportunity to build on some positive momentum in hopes of a quick turnaround to their mostly dismal season.

Tale of the Tape

After Shota Imanaga's unusual start, it was imperative that Taillon be at his best if the Cubs were going to have any chance. 2 strikeouts in the first inning was definitely a solid start.

The Cubs' offense came out like gangbusters on Saturday with a 5 run display of dominance in the first inning. It was a sight to behold for a team that has been dormant on offense.

Everyone was pulling their weight including an impressive RBI triple from Pete Crow-Armstrong. The young outfielder is a sight to see on the base paths.

With a 5-0 lead, the Cubs were in complete control. Jameson Taillon gave one of his better starts of the season. After scoring 11 runs on Friday, the Mets' hitters had no answers for what Taillon was throwing.

The stat line was impressive for the veteran pitcher. Through 7 innings, Taillon gave up an earned run with 10 strikeouts on the day. The Cubs were certainly bearing the fruits of his labor.

The Cubs' offense gave their starter even more cushion on the day. Christopher Morel hit his 14th home run of the season. Given recent struggles, it was encouraging to see the slugger go deep.

All the positive vibes were flowing in Wrigley Field. It's never fun when you're struggling, so it's great to see this team firing on all cylinders for once.

With a 6-1 lead in the 6th inning, the offense was not done yet. New Cub Tomas Nido got in on the festivities with an RBI double against his former team.

That same inning, Cody Bellinger made it 8-1 thanks to a throwing error from first baseman Pete Alonso. It's fun to see the other team beat themselves for once.

Craig Counsell went to his bullpen two more times after pulling Jameson Taillon after 7 innings. Colten Brewer came on in the 8th with a solid showing, before turning over to Hector Neris in the 9th. With runners on, Neris shut the door with a strikeout to Jeff McNeil.

Takeaways

Since Tuesday, the Cubs have shown improvement from their season woes. Winning a series against the Giants was a step in the right direction. If the team can take care of business on Sunday, the Cubs will be flying high as they head out to San Francisco.

At 37-40, more work needs to be done to get out of the self-inflicted malaise that the team has endured.

This team has talent and they need to play to their capabilities in a winnable division. It's right there for the taking and the hope here is that the Cubs are finally waking up and realizing it.

What's On Tap Next?

All eyes will be on the series finale on Sunday as Javier Assad takes the mound. For the Mets, righty Luis Severino will look to get back on track after a disastrous start against the Texas Rangers. First pitch is at 6:10 PM CT and the game will air on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball.

Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube , and the Cubs On Tap podcast and Dingers: A Chicago Cubs Podcast for more Chicago Cubs content, updates, and hot takes!