Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (Simulated Game 69): Cubs 5, Phillies 2 – Cubs Win Another Extra-Inning Game
The Chicago Cubs (45-24) bounced back after a tough loss on Monday to take the second game of their three-game set with the Philadelphia Phillies (36-30) on Tuesday, scoring three runs in the 10th en route to a 5-2 victory. Javier Báez hit the go-ahead double and Kyle Schwarber added a two-run homer for good measure, via MLB The Show 20.
On Monday, the Cubs were done in by their oft-shaky bullpen. But José Quintana, who has been absolutely dominant for Chicago over the last month, went seven strong innings to give his team a fighting chance on Tuesday. Quintana allowed four hits and two walks, surrendering two runs – just one earned – and striking out two batters.
The Cubs got on the board first against the Phillies in the 4th inning. Báez started the frame with a double into right-center and Ian Happ smashed a two-run home run down the line in right field.
Those two runs would be all that Philadelphia right-hander Aaron Nola would allow. His line mirrored Quintana’s, going seven innings and surrendering four hits, two walks, two runs, and striking out five.
The Phillies responded in the 5th with a solo shot by Scott Kingery, which brought them to within 2-1. An error by Báez led to Philadelphia’s second run in the 6th. Andrew McCutchen hit a one-out single and moved to third on a double by Bryce Harper. J.T. Realmuto was walked with two outs to bring up Didi Gregorius, who chopped one to Báez at shortstop.
Although he’s one of the best in the game at fielding his position, Báez lost focus for a split second and the ball popped out of his glove. Everyone was safe and the game was tied.
It stayed that way until the 10th. The Phillies went to right-hander Seranthony Domínguez, and Kris Bryant greeted him with a sharp single into center field. Next up was Báez, who was eager to atone for his error. Domínguez went 0-2 on him, but left a mistake over the plate that Báez didn’t miss.
A double into the left-center field gap brought Bryant around to score and untied the game, putting the Cubs ahead 3-2. Next up was Schwarber, who clubbed the ball high and deep to right field, into the upper-deck for a two-run shot. Suddenly the Cubs were ahead 5-2, with closer Craig Kimbrel warming up in the bullpen.
Kimbrel was as good as he’s been all year, setting the Phillies down one-two-three and closing out the victory for his 25th save of the season.
Notes: The Cubs have played 10 extra-inning games this year and are now 7-3 in those games … David Ross gave Báez a few days off last week, giving him a much-needed break after coming off the injured list. Over his last four games, Javy is 7-for-16 with three home runs and two doubles.
Key Players:
Báez – 2-for-4, 2 2B, BB, RBI, SB
Schwarber – 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI
Happ – 1-for-3, 2 BB, HR, 2 RBI
Souza – 2-for-2, 2B
Kingery – 1-for-3, BB, HR, RBI
Hoskins – 2-for-4, 2B
Winning Pitcher – Cotton (3-0)
Losing Pitcher – Domínguez (0-1)
Save – Kimbrel (25)
Home Runs – Happ (16), Schwarber (9), Kingery (7)
