Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/7/22): Cubs 1, Reds 7 – Another Bullpen Collapse Costs Cubs
The Chicago Cubs were looking to win their 8th series since the All-Star break with a victory tonight against the Cincinnati Reds. Another bullpen collapse, a recurring theme since the trade deadline, doomed the Cubs in this one.
Javier Assad was solid tonight until the 6th inning. He allowed just three hits entering the 6th, two of which were hit for solo home runs. He led off the inning with two singles before being pulled. Both runners scored after Erich Uelman allowed a walk followed by a horrendous throwing error by Christopher Morel.
Uelman allowed another single and a run before being pulled for Michael Rucker. Rucker gave up a run-scoring single before getting out of the inning, but the damage was done. Once again, the bullpen falters and the Cubs take another loss because of it. (Box Score)
Why the Cubs
The Cubs’ bullpen allowed five runs to score. Sure, two were charged to Assad, but the relievers have to be able to get outs when the starter leaves runners on base. That did not happen.
Eye on the Future
- Morel had a double and a very bad throw from third
- Franmil Reyes went 2-for-4
- P.J. Higgins went 2-for-4
Taking Note
- Yan Gomes had a nice night, going 2-for-4 with four singles
Bottom Line
The Cubs’ bullpen has been terrible since the trade deadline. They’re sporting a 5.21 ERA – excluding tonight’s game – since August 3. You have to wonder how many of those games the Cubs would’ve won had they not traded away their four best relievers.
On Deck
The Cubs play the Reds on Thursday in the rubber match, hoping to win the series. Adrian Sampson takes the hill for the Cubs against Luis Cessa for the Reds at 1:20pm CT. The game will be broadcast exclusively on YouTube and 670 The Score.
