Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/17/22): Rockies 3, Cubs 1 – Cubs Waste Wesneski Gem
The Cubs attempted to extend their winning streak to five games and to win a second consecutive series while battling the Rockies at Wrigley Field Saturday. Unfortunately, another terrific starting pitching performance went for naught when Chicago couldn’t generate any offense.
Both starting pitchers Hayden Wesneski and Jose Urena were on top of their game on Saturday, giving up no runs through four innings. Singles by Ian Happ and Alfonso Rivas combined with aggressive base running put men at second and third for Cubs catcher P.J. Higgins. Higgins beat out an infield hit to score Happ and, despite Rivas getting thrown out trying to score from second, the home team led 1-0.
Wesneski was absolutely brilliant on Saturday, only allowing a single run on a bloop double from CJ Cron and a ground out by Elias Diaz in the 7th. Adbert Alzolay made his 2022 debut and struck out the side in his first inning of work.
Alzolay came back out for the 9th and it did not go nearly as well. Charlie Blackmon tripled home the go-ahead run and scored on a Diaz single to make it 3-1 Colorado and that was the final. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost’
The anemic offense didn’t provide Wesneski with any run support wasting a very good effort.
Eye on the Future
- Wesneski absolutely shoved on Saturday: 7 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K, and 0 BB.
- Rivas got on base three times and looked very comfortable at the plate.
Taking Note
- Happ had two hits and another nice sliding catch.
Bottom Line
The Cubs have to be excited about their young pitcher doing so well even if the game did not go their way Saturday.
On Deck
The rubber match of the series is Sunday at 1:20pm CT. Javier Assad and Ryan Feltner pitch in a game airing on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.