Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/11/23): Cubs 6, Blue Jays 2 – Assad Awesome in Easy Win

The Cubs bounced back impressively from a rough series in New York against the Mets with a Friday victory over a very talented Blue Jays squad. Chicago got an unexpected quality start from Javier Assad and used a big 1st inning to earn the win.

The Cubs used the home run ball to do damage to Toronto pitcher José Berrios in the opening frame. Nico Hoerner cracked a solo shot and Cody Bellinger followed with a two-run dinger to right field to put the road team ahead 3-0.

Belli 💣in the 6ix!@Cody_Bellinger pic.twitter.com/4emtyoM2dF

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 11, 2023

Assad was sharp early and kept the Jays off the scoreboard through three innings. The North Siders rallied again in the top of the 4th when an error and a single put two on with one out. Seiya Suzuki ripped a double into the left field corner to score both men.

Mike Tauchman then knocked in Suzuki with a single and Chicago was winning 6-0. Assad gave up an RBI single to catcher Alejandro Kirk in the bottom of the frame but that was the only run he would give up in seven strong innings Friday.

Brandon Belt hit a solo home run off of Michael Fulmer in the bottom of the 8th to make it a 6-2 game, then Adbert Alzolay had a relatively drama-free final inning to seal the victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

After some offensive struggles in New York, it was nice to see the Cubs immediately put up a crooked number on Friday. It probably also relieved some pressure from Assad before he even had to throw a pitch.

Why the Cubs Won

They took an early lead and had an excellent starting pitching performance for a wire-to-wire win.

Stats That Matter

• Assad pitched to contact to get quick outs and he’s earned another start: 7 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 2 K, and 1 BB.
• Suzuki walked and hit the ball hard two other times in addition to the double.
• Hoerner, Bellinger, and Ian Happ each had two hits on Friday.

Bottom Line

On paper, it appeared like the Cubs were at a disadvantage with a swingman on the mound against a very good Blue Jays starter. Instead, Assad was brilliant and Chicago did big damage to Berrios right away. Now they have two opportunities to grab the series and have a successful road trip. Way to put New York behind you.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Saturday at 2:07pm CT. Justin Steele takes the hill against Chris Bassitt with coverage available on MLB Network (out-of-market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.