Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/4/22, Game 2): Cardinals 7, Cubs 2 – O’Neill Breaks Tie, Cubs Swept
The Cubs looked to avoid a doubleheader and series sweep against the Cardinals Thursday night. Unfortunately, St. Louis got over on the Cubs in the 7th inning for a second consecutive game and got the double sweep.
Patrick Wisdom once again put Chicago ahead in the first inning on a solo home run against former Cub José Quintana. The Cardinals answered right back in the bottom of the frame when Nolan Arenado blasted a two-run bomb off of spot starter Sean Newcomb.
Nelson Velázquez hit an infield single in the 7th inning that tied the score at two. Kervin Castro made his Cub debut in bottom half of the inning and immediately gave up a three-run homer to Tyler O’Neill to bury the road team. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
The makeshift bullpen broke down in the late innings and the offense continued to struggle.
Eye on the Future
- Velázquez reached base twice and is putting up good at bats.
Stats That Matter
- Newcomb had to leave after taking a comebacker off his pitching hand in the 3rd.
- The Cubs had two hits total Thursday night.
Bottom Line
Getting swept by the Cardinals is never fun even when it doesn’t come as much of a surprise. The Cubs are 0-42 when trailing by 2 or more in the 7th and it’s unlikely to change with the depleted bullpen.
On Deck
Chicago heads home for three games with the Marlins starting Friday at 1:20pm CT. Justin Steele faces a yet to be named Miami starter in a game airing on Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (out-of-market), and 670 The Score.
