The Cubs whiffed on eight of 16 swings at the knuckle-curve. Five of his nine strikeouts were with that pitch. Conversely, with the hitters focused on the spin, Flaherty stole 17 called strikes with a four-seam fastball that he was locating on the edges and especially at the bottom of the strike zone.

The Chicago Cubs hit five home runs, including two by Seiya Suzuki, and went on to a 6-1 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell, center, argues with home plate umpire Derek Thomas (53) after Nico Hoerner, right, was ejected for arguing after being called out on strikes during the fifth inning of a baseball game Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Detroit. Counsell was also ejected from the game.