Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/15/21): Mets 3, Cubs 2 – Bats Remain Stagnant, Controversial Send as Cubs Drop Game Two

Alec Mills (2-0, 6.08 ERA) took the mound against Taijuan Walker (5-2, 2.07 ERA) in game two. This was Mills’ first start since June 13 in Milwaukee when he pitched four innings, allowing two earned runs on two hits in a no-decision.

Javier Báez got the party started in the 3rd when he crunched a two-run oppo taco. The Mets tied the game in their half of the inning when Pete Alonso drove in two with a softly-hit single to center.

Mills was replaced by Rex Brothers after 4.1 innings despite offering only 57 pitches. He allowed two earned runs on five hits and two walks with six strikeouts.

Alonso gave the Mets a 3-2 lead in the 5th with a sacrifice fly to left, his third RBI of the night. The Cubs had something cooking in the 9th when third base coach Willie Harris inexplicably sent Jake Marisnick home, resulting in the second out of the inning. Sergio Alcántara struck out two at-bats later and the Cubs lost by a final of 3-2. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

A poor approach at the plate, a lack of command from Brothers, and Harris losing his mind resulted in tonight’s loss.

Key Moment

With Marisnick on first to start the 9th, Eric Sogard singled to right-center and the Cubs should have had runners on the corners with one away. But Harris had other ideas, sending Marisnick home despite the ball already being relayed to the infield, resulting in a relatively easy out at the plate. This was an absolutely demoralizing decision the Cubs couldn’t overcome.

Stats That Matter

• The Cubs are now 14-19 on the road.
• The offense struck out 15 times, walked only once, and left 12 men on base.
• Kris Bryant exited the game with a contusion on his hand after being hit by a pitch, continuing the Cubs’ revolving door to the trainer’s room. The x-rays were negative and he’s considered day-to-day.

Bottom Line

With Jacob deGrom scheduled to pitch Wednesday for the Mets, this was a game the Cubs needed to have. This loss paves a more difficult path to salvaging a split.

On Deck

The Cubs recalled Robert Stock (0-0, 0.00 ERA) from Triple-A to square off against deGrom (6-2, 0.56 ERA) in game three of the series. This should be a fun matchup as both guys can reach 100 mph on the radar gun. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10pm CT on Marquee and 670 The Score.