Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Gausman earns first Cubs win, lifts Chicago to 68-49 record

8/9/2026

29 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Gausman Secures Win

Kevin Gausman earned his first Cubs win on August 7 2026, pitching seven innings in a victory over the Kansas City Royals.
He threw 96 pitches, allowed four hits, one walk and struck out four batters for a quality start.
The win moved Chicago to 68-49, leaving them 4.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers and extending their streak to five games.
Jacob Webb recorded his seventh save in the ninth inning.

Summary

Gausman Joins Cubs

Cubs acquired Gausman from Toronto on July 31, sending outfielder Brett Bateman and infielder Ty Southisene to the Blue Jays.
Gausman told the 6ix Inning Stretch podcast his departure isn’t goodbye, saying he may return to Toronto after retirement.
Bateman made his Toronto debut Friday, recording his first major-league hit—a double—and scoring on an Alejandro Kirk sacrifice fly.

History

Historical Context

The Cubs drafted Greg Maddux in the second round of the 1984 MLB draft, making him an ace who won 19 games in 1989 and helped Chicago win the NL East. He left for the Atlanta Braves in 1992 and earned four straight Cy Young Awards (1992-1995). The 2026 acquisition of Kevin Gausman mirrors Cubs’ habit of swapping prospects for pitchers to chase postseason success.

1 of 3

Gausman Secures Win

Kevin Gausman earned his first Cubs win on August 7 2026, pitching seven innings in a victory over the Kansas City Royals.
He threw 96 pitches, allowed four hits, one walk and struck out four batters for a quality start.
The win moved Chicago to 68-49, leaving them 4.5 games behind the NL Central-leading Brewers and extending their streak to five games.
Jacob Webb recorded his seventh save in the ninth inning.

1 / 3