Ian Happ hit a home run in the first inning, and Michael Busch added a two-run triple as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Saturday.
Dansby Swanson had two hits for the Cubs, who won their second game in a row after losing three straight to the Cleveland Guardians, who lead the American League Central.
Nate Pearson (2-1), one of seven Cubs pitchers, allowed a hit in two scoreless innings and got the win. Jorge López gave up a home run in the ninth inning but struck out George Springer, Daulton Varsho, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. for his third save.
The Cubs chose López for the ninth inning after closer Héctor Neris allowed three runs in the ninth inning of a 6-5 win over Toronto in 10 innings on Friday, throwing 33 pitches.
“I’ve been working hard every day,” López said. He got his first save with Chicago after being 1-2 with a 3.76 ERA with the Mets before they designated him for assignment on May 30. “That’s part of a big situation, just stay calm and just making pitches.”
Addison Barger hit his third home run of the season, and Varsho had two hits and an RBI for the Blue Jays, who had won five of their last eight games.
Chris Bassitt (9-12) gave up five hits and three runs in five innings, with five strikeouts and two walks for Toronto.
“Credit to him to get through five,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “He stayed locked in. First-pitch homer, kind of an ambush job. He did pretty well. It was a weird day with the delays and kind of a stressful outing for him.”
The game had two delays in the second inning—39 and 16 minutes—which limited Cubs starter Justin Steele to two hitless innings.
“Tomorrow’s game is the game it affects the most, but we’re also looking at Justin’s health,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “Just didn’t think putting him out there after two delays was good both now and the rest of the season.”
