Cubs Keep the Good Times Going in 4-0 Win Against Orioles

Things are beginning to look a lot more interesting for a team that seemed to be dead in the water. Cautious optimism remains, but this Chicago Cubs team is certainly playing some entertaining baseball.

Shota Imanaga came out and did his thing against a daunting Baltimore Orioles' lineup on Wednesday. All games are important, but to take two of three so far against this O's team is truly impressive.

The offense was once again firing on all cylinders. Corbin Burnes looked human to these Cubs hitters on Wednesday. If they can get to good pitching, the sky is the limit for this lineup.

Tale of the Tape

The matchup on the mound was going to be must-watch in this one. Shota Imanaga and Corbin Burnes are very good pitchers. But after watching this game, the Cubs made their former Brewers' foe look normal.

Burnes gave up nine hits on Wednesday and the Cubs took advantage. In the 2nd inning, Christopher Morel opened up the scoring with a solo home run. Nico Hoerner went forth with his own RBI single in the same inning.

With a 2-0 lead, the Cubs were in business and all they had to do was not blow it. Something that has haunted them all season, it's hard not to have PTSD in these situations.

By the 5th inning, it was Seiya Suzuki cushioning the lead with an RBI single to make it 3-0. If the Cubs are going anywhere this season, Suzuki needs to produce as a key member of the lineup.

Shota Imanaga is rebounding nicely after a few clunkers on the mound. He did his job in not allowing any runs through 6.0 innings of work. It's another quality start for a pitcher whose exceeded expectations this season and was named the Cubs' lone All-Star.

He gave his team the innings to go and win this one. The Cubs let Luke Little, Porter Hodge, and Hector Neris go the rest of the way with successful results.

While all things were going great, a potential injury to one of their key bats may have looming effects. Cody Bellinger left the game early after being hit in the hand by a pitch.

The hope is that things will be okay, but it's hard not to hold your breath given how valuable Bellinger is to this team. He was able to remain on base before being replaced in right field by Miles Mastrobuoni.

With all the good things going, the Cubs cannot afford to lose Bellinger for an extended period of time. As previous injuries have shown, this team doesn't have the best depth right now.

Takeaways

The Cubs are finally clicking on all cylinders. Wasting quality starts appears to be on the wayside with the offense having a pulse. It's also a good that they are doing this against one of the better teams in the game.

With the way that the playoffs are constructed, there's still an advantage to be had. Even this late into the season, the Cubs still have a chance to make things interesting.

It's on them to put the rumblings of a potential selloff to bed. If they can do that, it will mirror exactly how last season went. The hope for this team is that they do not make the same mistakes at the end.

What's On Tap Next?

Looking for the sweep at Camden Yards, the Cubs are sending their best to the mound in Justin Steele. Veteran righty Albert Suarez will oppose him for the Orioles. First pitch is at 5:35 PM CDT on Marquee Sports Network.

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