Chicago, Illinois — The Chicago Cubs have been waiting for a boost — and it’s Kyle Tucker. After a 10-day IL absence, Tucker came back strong, contributing to the Cubs’ epic 12-1 win over the Cardinals, and now people are starting to believe this comeback could be the turning point for the Cubs in their postseason race.
In his first appearance back on the mound, Tucker showed that the time off hasn’t dulled his lethal instincts. In his five plate appearances, he made a big impact. According to manager Craig Counsell, Tucker’s performance wasn’t just impressive — it gave “the momentum we needed for the season.”
When Tucker returned, the team felt refueled. Other stars like Seiya Suzuki hit grand slams, Pete Crow-Armstrong joined the “30 homer – 30 stolen base club” at the right time to heat up the team atmosphere.
The game that the Cubs won by 11 runs was not just a normal victory — it was an assertion of power. The Cardinals, traditionally a tough opponent, were pressed from start to finish. The Cardinals’ accurate hitting, constant pressure and mistakes were thoroughly exploited.
Suzuki’s grand slam was like a final blow to the home team’s spirit, while the Cubs’ other hits drowned out any resistance. Meanwhile, the Cardinals had almost no real chance to fight back. The home field bowed to the attacking pressure.
A 12-1 victory at this time was no coincidence. The Cubs are at a crossroads in their season: if they can capitalize on this momentum, they can make a dramatic breakthrough and take the lead in the Wild Card series; if they let it slip away, they’ll be back in the “calling for a disappointing season” zone.
“We need Tucker to be consistent going forward so that this momentum doesn’t dissipate,” Counsell stressed.
The plan is to keep him at the plate regularly, creating continuity in the offense.
With Tucker back, the Cubs’ hitting group – already near its peak – is now “dipped in oil.” When factors like Suzuki, Crow-Armstrong, and the rookie show their brilliance, they’re shouting in unison: The Cubs aren’t dead, and we’re here to reclaim our spot.
Next game, Jameson Taillon will be the one to throw the glove, continuing the winning streak and keeping the team’s atmosphere buoyant. If Taillon holds up, Tucker’s comeback will be reinforced by a strong winning streak.
Tucker’s return is more than just a personal event — it’s a catalyst. With the ripple effect, the Cubs could go from playoff contenders to serious contenders.
The 12-1 win over the Cardinals was just the start. The question now: can the Cubs keep the momentum going, keep the pressure on, and turn it into history, or let it all pass as a beautiful but fleeting moment?
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