Cubs Notes and recap

Palencia gave up a hit in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his 15th save of the season in a 1-0 win over the Orioles.

The right-hander needed only nine pitches (six strikes) to get the job done, but he came close to blowing the save, as a two-out double by Adley Rutschman was followed by a deep fly from Tyler O’Neill that backed Ian Happ up to the ivy at Wrigley Field for the final out. Palencia hasn’t given up an earned run since June 21, posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 12:1 K:BB in 11.2 innings over his last 12 appearances while converting eight save chances.

Horton (5-3) picked up the win in Friday’s 1-0 victory over the Orioles, allowing two hits and three walks over five scoreless innings. He struck out three.

A Baltimore lineup that got depleted at the trade deadline was no match for Horton and the Cubs bullpen, with the rookie right-hander generating 24 called or swinging strikes in only 71 pitches (44 total strikes). Horton extended his scoreless streak to 17.2 innings with the performance, and on the season he sports a 3.42 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 53:25 K:BB through 73.2 innings. He’ll look to produce more goose eggs in his next start, which is scheduled to come at home next week against the Reds.

Happ (shin) is starting in left field and batting seventh Friday against the Orioles.

The outfielder was held out of the lineup Wednesday against the Brewers due to a bruised left shin, though he still appeared as a pinch hitter and went 1-for-2 with a solo homer. Happ has a .231/.318/.513 slash line with three homers and a stolen base in 12 games since the All-Star break.