Cubs win against Guardians featured something that hasn't happened since 2022
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Cubs win against Guardians featured something that hasn't happened since 2022 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Paying homage to 1968, two MLB clubs competed in a 1-0 contest, captured by the Chicago Cubs over the Cleveland Guardians in the opener of a doubleheader at Progressive Field on Sunday.
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How dominant were the pitching staffs?
Cubs starter Edward Cabrera and Guardians' Slade Cecconi combined for 11.2 scoreless innings, each surrendering one hit.
With both clubs combining for just three hits, the Cubs (4-4), who were poised to meet the Guardians (5-4) in the nightcap, secured the winning run via an old-school strategy.
After Michael Conforto walked, pinch-runner Dylan Carlson advanced to third on a nearly forgotten play, the sacrifice bunt, executed by Matt Shaw. With Carlson in scoring position, Miguel Amaya delivered the game-winning single off Connor Brogdon (2-1).
The victory marked the Cubs’ win with two or fewer hits since 2022.
Cubs down Guardians in old-school outing
In an era where pitcher-dominated, low-scoring games are becoming rare. Nearly extinct is Sunday’s Game 1 outcome. The Cubs played their first 1-0 game since Aug. 1, 2025.
Across eras, the Cubs played 10 1-0 games in 1968, winning four and losing six. It was a different time. Paced by San Francisco Giants’ Juan Marichal’s 30 complete games and 28 each by St. Louis Cardinals’ Bob Gibson and Detroit Tigers’ Denny McLain.
Also noteworthy Sunday:
The three combined hits marked the fewest in a Cubs game since Sept. 9, 1965, when the Dodgers mustered one hit as Hall of Fame pitcher Sandy Koufax tossed a perfect game.
Sunday’s combined hits in the doubleheader opener established the fewest ever at Progressive Field, which opened in 1994.