Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/17/20; Game 2): Cubs 5, Cardinals 4 (F/7) – Dramatic Bote Homer Gives Cubs Doubleheader Split

Things were looking pretty grim for the Cubs going into the 6th inning of Monday’s doubleheader nightcap against the Cardinals. Luckily for Chicago, a familiar hero stepped forward to flip the script and earn the “road” Cubs a win at Wrigley.

Hard-throwing Alex Reyes was the Cards’ opener and he loaded the bases in the top of the 1st with two walks and a hit batter. A two-out passed ball chased home a run, but Kyle Schwarber tried to go all Jason Kipnis and was nailed at home trying to score from second.

Tyson Miller made his Cubs debut and managed to keep the Cards off the board in his first frame of work. That did not continue, as game-one hero Brad Miller blasted a go-ahead homer in the next inning. Kyle Ryan struggled again in the 4th inning, giving up back-to-back homers to the red-hot Miller and Max Schrock. The latter’s homer was the first of his career and built the St. Louis lead to 4-1.

The Cubs had yet to get a hit against a parade of Cardinals relievers by the 6th inning, but Willson Contreras finally ended the no-hitter with a ringing double that scored Javier Baez, who had been hit by a pitch. Lefty Ty Webb continued on, walking Jason Heyward to put two on with two outs. That’s when pinch-hitting David Bote. did what he does best, blasting a game-winning three-run homer to center.

Dan Winkler handled the 6th inning and Jeremy Jeffress closed out the win in the bottom of the 7th. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The bats finally came to life in the late innings and the bullpen held it’s water late.

Key Moment

Webb threw David Bote a knee-high fastball, which was the one pitch he couldn’t get away with.

Stats That Matter

  • Miller showed flashes of what makes him a top prospect, but he isn’t ready yet: 2 IP, 2 R, 1 H, 0 K, and 3 BB.
  • Anthony Rizzo reached base three more times.
  • Contreras reached base twice as well and it was nice to see him drive the ball.

Bottom Line

Any losing streaks become greatly magnified in such a short season and the Cubs were staring a five-game skid right in the face. This was a huge win to stop that in its tracks.

On Deck

Just one game on Tuesday at 7:15pm CT, with Yu Darvish taking on Daniel Ponce de Leon on Marquee Sports Network.

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