It’s been a rough season for the Chicago Cubs. But since being traded to Chicago by the New York Yankees for relief pitcher Scott Effross, rookie pitcher Hayden Wesneski has provided some bright moments for the team in the season’s final weeks. He did so again on Thursday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Wesneski struck out Pittsburgh’s Jack Suwinski, Zack Collins and Jason Delay on three pitches each. In doing so, he became the first Cub to throw an immaculate inning in 18 years.
Hayden Wesneski.
The i is for immaculate. pic.twitter.com/DqOOFomUMh
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 23, 2022
Hayden Wesneski just threw an immaculate inning. The first one by a #Cubs pitcher since LaTroy Hawkins did so on Sept. 11, 2004 against the Marlins.
— Taylor McGregor (@Taylor_McGregor) September 23, 2022
The MLB world acknowledged Wesneski’s accomplishment while also marveling at the wicked slider he threw to get Strike 3 on all three hitters.
Hayden Wesneski, K'ing the Side on Wicked Sliders.🤢 pic.twitter.com/WBSaEjIIPI
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) September 23, 2022
An immaculate inning! Nasty stuff from Hayden Wesneski.
— Matt Clapp (@TheBlogfines) September 23, 2022
Hayden Wesneski is a really good pitcher
— Brendan Miller (@brendan_cubs) September 23, 2022
hayden wesneski’s slider is disgusting pic.twitter.com/rmZrDHi92L
— johnny trash (@theMATThatter__) September 23, 2022
Thursday marked Wesneski’s fourth appearance and second start for the Cubs since getting called up in September. In his previous start, the 24-year-old right-hander went seven innings, allowing one run while surrendering three hits and issuing no walks while striking out seven.
Wesneski’s MLB career is still young and can go a number of different ways. But early on, it sure seems like the Cubs might have landed a steal in their trade with the Yankees. Wesneski looks like someone who can be an anchor in Chicago’s rotation for a while going forward.
[Chicago Cubs, Taylor McGregor]
