PITTSBURGH – When Cubs rookie Cade Horton walked off the mound on July 9 after just 4 2/3 innings in his final start of the first half, not even the highest of optimists could have predicted the turnaround he had in store.
At the time, Horton sported a 4.45 ERA and was struggling to replicate the same command that helped him find so much success at the Minor League level. Yet, just over two months later, the 24-year-old right-hander has put himself in position to secure the National League Rookie of the Year Award.
Horton strengthened his case Tuesday night in the Cubs’ 4-1 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park. He posted his 11th consecutive start with two or fewer runs allowed.
His effort put the Cubs in position to clinch a postseason berth as soon as Wednesday.
In a 27-pitch first inning, Horton allowed a pair of hits, including an RBI triple off the top of the right-field fence by Oneil Cruz. Horton settled in with a one-two-three second inning on just nine pitches.
Horton retired the final eight batters he faced en route to a final line of five innings, three hits, just the one run, one walk and six strikeouts.