🔥 UNSTOPPABLE! Cubs’ Young Gun DOMINATES Reds in Nail-Biting Pitcher’s Duel!

When Drew Pomeranz took the mound to start Saturday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds, it appeared Cubs manager Craig Counsell was opting for a bullpen game—a bold strategy considering the bullpen’s struggles this season. The unit ranks 18th in WHIP, 22nd in walks per nine innings, and 28th in strikeouts per nine.

After a single inning from Pomeranz, 25-year-old Ben Brown entered the game. While veterans like Matthew Boyd and Colin Rea are enjoying standout seasons, Brown has had a tough sophomore campaign, entering the game with a 5.72 ERA and 1.46 WHIP.

His last outing—also against the Reds—was rough: 4.1 innings, seven hits, eight earned runs, two walks, and four strikeouts. But this time, Brown flipped the script.

He dominated the Reds, pitching six shutout innings while allowing just one hit and one walk, and striking out nine—a performance that matched his season-high in strikeouts and earned him his third Quality Start of the year.

Despite his brilliance on the mound, the Cubs’ offense didn’t break through until the eighth inning, when Seiya Suzuki and Dansby Swanson delivered clutch RBI hits. Brown had to be nearly flawless—and he was.

Had Brown pitched the way he did just a week earlier, the game’s outcome might have been very different. Fortunately, relievers Brad Keller and Daniel Palencia closed things out, with Keller picking up the win.

Brown’s progression, alongside top prospect Cade Horton, is crucial for the Cubs’ long-term outlook this season. As the trade deadline approaches, the team will likely seek to reinforce the bullpen, but internal development will be key.

The Cubs will close out their series with the Reds on Sunday, sending Jameson Taillon (3.86 ERA) to the mound.