Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/8/22): Dodgers 7, Cubs 1 – Losses Mount, West Coast Trip Up Next
After dropping both games of the doubleheader Saturday, the Cubs were looking to salvage the series finale Sunday night.
Willson Contreras gave the Cubs an early lead with an RBI single off Dodgers starter Walker Buehler in the top of the 1st. After both teams traded scoreless innings in the 2nd and 3rd Los Angeles finally broke through with two runs in the 4th.
Justin Steele struggled in the 4th inning, throwing 34 pitches, and was pulled before the start of the 5th with what was reported as left thumb soreness. Michael Rucker was summoned to relieve Steele and promptly gave up three straight singles. Trea Turner grounded into a double play to give LA their third run but then Rucker threw a wild pitch to give the away team a 4-1 lead.
The Dodgers held the Cubs to one hit the rest of the way. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
Once again, the Cubs managed very little offense with only four hits. And their pitching was off all night.
Key Moment
The Dodgers showed exceptional discipline at the plate while the Cubs simply did not. There wasn’t one moment tonight that made the difference. It was a cumulative breakdown.
Stats That Matter
- Another short outing by a Cubs starter, this time Justin Steele: 4.0IP, 2R, 3H, 3 K, and 2 BB.
- Adrian Sampson debuted for the season and surrendered two runs on two hits.
Bottom Line
On Deck
The Cubs travel for a six-game road trip out west starting in San Diego on Monday night at 8:40pm CT. Kyle Hendricks takes on Mackenzie Gore in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.
