Cubs Rookie Cade Horton Records Fifth Win, Extends Scoreless Streak

Cubs rookie right-hander Cade Horton has been delivering exceptional performances, including a recent five-inning shutout against the Orioles that extended his scoreless streak to 17.2 innings. Despite his strong outings, the Cubs are managing his workload carefully, limiting his innings to preserve him for the present and future, given that he is already past 100 innings this season. Horton's focused and clear-headed approach on the mound, concentrating on one pitch at a time, has drawn praise from his coaches and teammates, contributing to his success. He currently holds a 3.42 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with a 5-3 record across 13 starts, and he has not allowed a run in his last three starts, posting a 1.26 ERA since July. The Cubs rely on Horton, along with other starters, to form a rotation capable of competing at the playoff level, especially since the team did not acquire a top starting pitcher at the trade deadline. His ability to maintain composure and execute consistently makes him a valuable asset for the Cubs' playoff ambitions.