Javier Assad Throws 5 2/3 Scoreless and the Cubs Bats Wake Up to Demolish Tampa Bay

The Chicago Cubs just put on a clinic against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night in St. Petersburg, and it started with dominant pitching before the bats took over late. Javier Assad was absolutely locked in, throwing 5 2/3 scoreless innings to set the tone. When the Cubs needed insurance runs, Pete Crow-Armstrong and Moises Ballesteros stepped up with late-inning home runs to seal a convincing 9-2 victory.

Assad Sets the Tone Early

Assad's performance was the kind of start that builds momentum for a team. Five and two-thirds scoreless innings is exactly what you need from your starting pitcher, especially against a division opponent. He kept the Rays completely off the board through most of the game, which meant the Cubs' offense could work without any pressure or need to chase runs.

The Bats Finally Show Up When It Matters

This is where it got fun. Seven different Cubs contributed to the offensive outburst, with Crow-Armstrong and Ballesteros delivering the knockout blows with their home runs in the late innings. That's the kind of balanced attack that wins ballgames. When your starting pitcher gives you a scoreless performance and your lineup can add on runs late, you're playing the kind of baseball that sticks around in the standings.

The Cubs took care of business in a way that felt dominant. Assad got them there first, and the bats closed it out. That's the formula that works.

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.