Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/10/22): Dodgers 11, Cubs 9 – Bullpen Wastes Early Homers in Final Game of Sweep

The Cubs tried to salvage the final game of the series against the Dodgers Sunday afternoon and it looked for a few moments as if that’s exactly what they were going to do. Chicago got off to a tremendous start before the taxed bullpen squandered another win.

Julio Urias struggled mightily in the opening inning with the Cubs scoring five runs. The big blow was a grand slam from P.J. Higgins that just made it over the left field wall. Drew Smyly made his return from injury and was not sharp, giving up three runs in the 1st inning to reduce most of that early cushion.

David Bote gave the Cubs their five-run lead back in the 3rd inning with a three-run homer off of Phil Bickford. The Dodgers answered back immediately, this time with six runs, mostly against the Cubs bullpen, to take the lead in the bottom half of the frame. A Patrick Wisdom throwing error that allowed two runs to score was the big blow.

Freddie Freeman hit a solo home run in the 6th to increase LA’s lead to 10-8. Nelson Velázquez homered in the 8th inning to cut a bit into the advantage, but the Dodgers were able to close out the 11-9 victory and complete the four-game sweep. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

The overworked bullpen finally imploded on Sunday and the offensive explosion was just not enough to overcome it.

Eye on the Future

• Nico Hoerner stayed red hot with a double and two singles.
• Higgins walked in addition to the grand slam.
• Velázquez displayed his tremendous power on his blast.

Stats That Matter

• Smyly was clearly rusty on Sunday: 2 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 1 K, and 1 BB.
• Bote doubled and walked after the dinger.

Bottom Line

This sweep was much more about how good the Dodgers are than anything about the Cubs. They are relentless and never miss an opportunity to pounce on an opponent’s mistake. Hoerner is really starting to emerge as a potential star player.

On Deck

The Cubs welcome the Baltimore Orioles to Wrigley for two games starting Tuesday at 7:05pm CT. Jordan Lyles faces off against Adrian Sampson in a contest available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.