Gausman’s Fastball Strategy Leads Cubs to Victory Over Diamondbacks

PHOENIX — Kevin Gausman showcased a strategic shift in his pitching against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Chicago Cubs right-hander relied heavily on his four-seam fastball, deviating from his usual dependence on the splitter. On Monday night, this tactical choice culminated in a career-high of 24 called strikes and resulted in seven shutout innings during the Cubs’ 7-0 win.

Gausman’s fastballs comprised 66% of his pitches, with catcher Carson Kelly’s sharp game tactically supporting this approach. With two strikes, Gausman continued delivering fastballs, catching Arizona’s lineup off guard. “We blew some fastballs with two strikes kind of by guys today,” Gausman noted, emphasizing the importance of good command during the game.

The fastball was crucial for Gausman. He managed to strike with 13 out of 15 first-pitch fastballs, keeping Arizona at bay. Only two of his fastballs resulted in hits out of 11 that the Diamondbacks put in play. In the Statcast era, only Drew Hutchinson in 2015 has surpassed Gausman’s tally of called strikes with the four-seam fastball.

Between starts, Gausman focuses on improving his command during bullpen sessions, essential for his two-pitch strategy. His awareness of the Diamondbacks’ game plan was evident, recognizing early their inclination towards the splitter.

Opting for a more aggressive approach, Gausman delivered what the Cubs hoped for when they acquired him. With Clay Holmes performing exceptionally well recently, the Cubs could significantly benefit from their pitching duo as the postseason nears.

Kelly commented on Gausman’s influence: “He’s a good energy guy, the work ethic is there, he’s a true pro.” Gausman, familiar with the Cubs’ relentless lineup, experienced firsthand their competitive nature in June when they chased him after two innings.

Despite the top-five hitters combining for a 2-for-18 performance against pitcher Merrill Kelly, the Cubs showed depth in their lineup. Pedro Ramírez contributed significantly with an RBI triple, raising his average to .290, while Seiya Suzuki added an RBI double. Later, Michael Conforto and Carson Kelly’s homers provided a comfortable lead.

Cubs manager David Counsell highlighted Conforto’s role adaptability, demonstrating a commitment to the Cubs’ success. “There’s an expectation,” Counsell said, indicating the team’s strong belief in their postseason potential.

Conforto expressed the prevailing sentiment within the team, focusing on winning and community over individual accolades. “The big thing is coming in here and being honest,” he remarked. He emphasized the shared belief in winning the championship, a mindset not common across the league.