Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/20/24, Game 1): Marlins 3, Cubs 2 – De La Cruz HR Sinks Cubs
The Cubs played the first game of a split doubleheader against the Marlins at Wrigley Saturday afternoon. Chicago tried to cling to a one-run lead in the late innings but they were not able to do it and Miami won on a 9th-inning home run.
The Cubs struck first in the 3rd inning when Patrick Wisdom hit a two-run triple against Jesús Luzardo. Javier Assad had another good start, keeping the Marlins off the board through four frames.
Miami loaded the bases against Assad with one out in the 5th and Bryan De La Cruz hit a sacrifice fly that was very close to being a grand slam. Luke Little came in for the Chicago starter and got the next hitter to preserve a 2-1 advantage.
The Cubs spent the next three frames dodging Marlins’ chances and held the one-run margin into the 9th. Closer Adbert Alzolay fell victim to the home run ball again, this time a two-run shot by De La Cruz that put Miami up 3-2. The home team attempted a rally but runners were stranded on second and third as the game ended. (Box score)
Key Moment
Alzolay has given up four homers so far this season which is a troubling trend for your closer. De La Cruz had been the most dangerous hitter all day Saturday so it’s not surprising he had the winning hit.
Why the Cubs Lost
The bullpen had trouble holding the lead but the offense did absolutely nothing to give the pitching staff any margin for error.
Stats That Matter
- It was another good outing for Assad that did not go very deep into the game: 4.2 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 3 K, and 3 BB.
- Wisdom has a double and a triple in his two games back this season.
- Nico Hoerner was the only Cub with two hits Saturday.
Bottom Line
That was a tough loss with not enough hitting and another blown bullpen lead. Alzolay just hasn’t been as sharp as he was in 2023 and it’s getting to be a concern.
On Deck
The second game of the doubleheader starts at 6:40pm CT. Shota Imanaga and Roddery Munoz get the starts in a game available on Marquee and 670 The Score.
