Cubs Keep Producing Runs in 7-3 Royal Beatdown

Sunday's game between the Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Royals was noteworthy on and off the field. For a second straight contest, the Cubs' offense appeared to be in complete control. Things have been clicking for the Cubs at the plate in the final days before the MLB trade deadline.

The Cubs are getting a boost thanks to an off-field story that seemingly came out of nowhere. Jed Hoyer brought some fireworks of his own with a seismic trade , sending Christopher Morel among others to the Tampa Bay Rays in exchange for third baseman Isaac Paredes.

With an eye on the future, Hoyer seems to be in the driver's seat for 2025 and beyond. Paredes is under club control through 2027 , and the Cubs now have their starting third baseman.

Tale of the Tape

Things were looking ugly in the first inning as the Royals jumped on Javier Assad early. A two-run single from Hunter Renfroe put Kansas City ahead right out of the gate, something that typically signals a loss for the Cubs.

It only took till the third inning, but the Cubs' bats finally woke up. Nico Hoerner delivered a two-run double to tie the game, a positive sign for one of Chicago's key contributors.

Assad provided another quality start, and the offense surprisingly didn't let it go to waste. If the Cubs can make the rest of this season interesting, it'll go a long way for morale heading into 2025.

The Royals took one more lead in the fourth inning when a reviewed home run from Freddy Fermin made it a 3-2 game.

David Bote responded by putting the Cubs ahead with a two-run double. There haven't been too many games to feel good about, but Sunday's victory was one of them.

The Cubs tacked on more in the ninth inning as Patrick Wisdom, Michael Busch, and Dansby Swanson put the final nails in the Royals' coffin. Wisdom smacked his second home run in as many games. Sometimes players can click for a brief period, and that appears to be the case for the third baseman right now.

Takeaways

The Cubs put together a commendable performance on Sunday. Royals' hurler Cole Ragans is no slouch, and the Cubs got to him when it mattered. Javier Assad delivered another strong start and the bullpen held it down the rest of the way.

Regarding the trade, it was sad to see Christopher Morel depart. Despite some struggles, his energetic personality was a bright spot for the Cubs over the past few seasons.

But as one door closes, another opens.

Isaac Paredes should slot in nicely for a team that hasn't had a clear option at third base for a while. The hope is that his consistency at the plate rejuvenates a lineup filled with "feast or famine" hitters.

What's On Tap Next?

After an impressive series in Kansas City, the Cubs turn their focus toward the division rival Cincinnati Reds. Jameson Taillon is the Cubs' probable starter and Carson Spiers will take the mound for the Reds in Monday's series opener. First pitch is at 6:10 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.

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