Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/16/22): Cubs 9, Pirates 0 – Cubs Ambush Pirates, Capped By Contreras Grand Slam

The Chicago Cubs kicked off a seven-game homestand tonight against the Pittsburgh Pirates, after ending their West Coast swing with a 4-2 record. They were hoping to carry momentum from their road trip back home to Wrigley, and they did just that.

This game was over in the 1st inning. Wade Miley threw only nine pitches in that first frame and dominated the rest of the game. The Pirates’ pitchers threw 45 pitches in the 1st on their way to giving up eight runs, including a grand slam to Willson Contreras. It was the perfect inning for the Cubs.

The Cubs have now won three in a row for the first time this season. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Won

The Cubs ambushed the Pirates with eight runs in the 1st inning. There was no way for Pittsburgh to recover.

Key Moment

Contreras’ grand slam, his 100th career home run, shut the door on any chance Pirates may have had in this game.

Stats That Matter

  • Miley was outstanding in his second start of the season: 7.0 IP, 0 R, 6 H, 0 BB
  • Contreras had himself a night…in the 1st inning: 2 H, 2 R, 4 RBI, HR, 2B
  • Ian Happ was very productive: 3-for-3, 2 R, 1 RBI, BB, 2B
  • Yan Gomes stayed hot: 3-for-5, 1 R, 1 RBI

Bottom Line

There are times when winning seems so easy and we’ve seen that a few times from the Cubs so far this season. Tonight was one of those nights. Let’s hope they can keep the energy going tomorrow night and throughout this homestand.

On Deck

The Cubs play the Pirates in game two of the three-game series on Tuesday night at 6:40pm CT. J.T. Brubaker (0-3, 5.34 ERA) goes for the Pirates and the Cubs have yet to determine their starter. The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.

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