CI Recap (8/31/18) – Phillies 2, Cubs 1: Cubs Waffle In Extras

The Cubs entered Friday’s game winners of eight of their last ten. Jose Quintana had one of his better starts of the season. Chicago had numerous chances to score but failed to back up their starter. The Phillies finally ended it with a walk-off homer at a rain-soaked Citizens Bank Park.

Both Nick Pivetta and Quintana were able to escape damage early. And while Quintana was dominant allowing only one hit, his counterpart wasn’t nearly as sharp. The Phillies starter allowed five hits and three walks in five innings. The Cubs best chance came with the bases loaded and one out in the 2nd. Anthony Rizzo struck out and Ben Zobrist grounded out to end the threat.

The Northsiders finally grabbed a lead in the 5th inning. Javy Baez continued his MVP candidacy with a rocket home run to left field. The solo homer gave the Cubs a short-lived 1-0 lead. Philadelphia scratched across a run against Quintana to tie the game in the bottom of the 6th inning. Roman Quinn doubled and scored on a two-out single by Cesar Hernandez.

Both teams traded zeros through the final three innings of regulation. Steve Cishek was the unlucky loser in the 10th inning. Asdrubal Cabrera took him deep to left-center field for the game-winning solo homer. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

The Cubs were 1-7 with runners in scoring position and stranded 10 men on base. They had the bases loaded twice and failed to score. It’s very hard to win many games when you score one run.

Key Moment

A single, an error, and a walk loaded the bases for the Cubs with two down in the 8th inning. With right-hander Seranthony Dominguez on the mound everyone expected Kyle Schwarber to hit in the pitchers spot. Victor Caratini got the at bat instead and quickly struck out.

Stats That Matter

• Quintana looked as good as he has all year: 6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K, and 1 BB. He was getting a lot of whiffs and not that much hard contact. He also had two hits despite entering the game with a .048 batting average.
• Baez had two hits including the homer and now has 29 home runs and 98 RBI. Let the MVP campaign intensify.
• Jorge De La Rosa has looked very good in a Cubs uniform. 1.2 scoreless innings on Friday means he has allowed just one run in 10 innings pitched for Chicago.

Bottom Line

That was a tough loss for the Cubs, one they very well could have win. The fact the whole game was played in the rain probably suppressed the offense. With Kris Bryant re-entering the lineup Saturday, the offense should get a good spark.

On Deck

The Cubs and Phils meet again Saturday at 6:05 pm CT. Kyle Hendricks has looked good of late. The Professor will battle Zach Eflin in a game broadcast on NBC Sports Chicago.