Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/7//22): Cubs 3, Dodgers 5 – Dodgers Overpower Cubs with Four Home Runs
The Dodgers overpowered the Cubs early, with Mookie Betts, Gavin Lux, and Justin Turner each homering in the 1st, 2nd, and 4th innings, respectively. Betts blasted his home run in the first at-bat of the game.
Christopher Morel responded in the 5th inning with a two-run home run of his own to left field. That cut the Dodgers’ lead in half at 4-2.
Betts gave the Dodgers some insurance when he hit his second homer of the evening in the bottom of the 8th.
In the top of the 9th, old friend Craig Kimbrel came on to close it out for the home team. He struck out the first two batters but then Ian Happ singled giving the Cubs life. Happ advanced to second base on defensive indifference and then Seiya Suzuki hit a bloop double to right that scored Happ. Patrick Wisdom walked and that was the end for Kimbrel.
Nelson Velazquez pinch hit for Alfonso Rivas and made it interesting as he worked a full count, but he ultimately struck out, ending the game. (Box Score)
Why the Cubs Lost
Giving up four home runs to any team is a recipe for disaster.
Eye on the Future
- Morel’s home run helped save his night tonight and gave the Cubs a chance: 1-for-3, 1 R, 2 RBI, 1 K, 1 HR
- Rivas had a single and scored on the Morel homer.
- Nico Hoerner got called on a questionable pitch in the top of the 9th but he also had a single.
Stats That Matter
- Mark Leiter Jr. gave up only five hits, unfortunately, three of them were home runs: 5.0 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 4 K, 3 HR
Bottom Line
The Cubs have a long way to go before they’re back on the same level as this Dodgers team. The good news is that there is a plethora of talent within the Cubs’ minor league system.
On Deck
The Cubs take on the Dodgers in the second game of this four-game series on Friday night. A Cubs pitcher-to-be-named will take on Clayton Kershaw tomorrow night at 9:10pm CT in a game that will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network, MLB Network (out-of-market), and 670 The Score.