Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/24/22): Cubs 4, Phillies 3 – Yan Gomes Homers Twice as Cubs Sweep in Philly

The Cubs entered Sunday with an opportunity for an unexpected sweep of the Phillies. Some timely power and another quality start helped Chicago to a fourth consecutive victory.

Yan Gomes got the scoring going with a solo home run against Bailey Falter in the top of the 3rd. Later in the inning, Christopher Morel doubled home Nelson Velázquez to double the Cubs’ lead.

Gomes kept his big Sunday going with another homer in the 4th inning and was quickly followed by Velázquez who also went deep to make it 4-0 Chicago. Drew Smyly was very sharp giving up just one run through the first five frames.

David Bote lost a routine pop-up in the sun at second base in the 6th and it led to an RBI single from Rhys Hoskins. Garrett Stubbs launched a dinger off Chris Martin in the 8th inning and suddenly Philadelphia was only down 4-3.

Closer David Robertson put two men on base in the final inning but was able to slam the door for the save and secure the sweep. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The Cubs got just enough offense to make yet another very good pitching performance stand up.

Eye on the Future

• Morel drew a walk and blistered a 111.1 mph single in addition to his double.
• Velázquez also walked and had a hit as well as his third home run of the series.

Stats That Matter

• Smyly is doing a good job of setting himself up as trade bait: 6 IP, 2 R, 1 ER, 4 H, 4 K, and 0 BB.
• Gomes has been struggling all season so it’s nice to see him have a good day on Sunday with two long balls.

Bottom Line

I don’t think anyone predicted a Cubs sweep this weekend, but that’s why they play the games. Perhaps if injuries had not hampered Chicago’s pitching rotation in the first half of the season they could have been much more competitive in 2022. At least now they may be able to turn some of those arms into decent prospects in trade deadline deals.

On Deck

The Cubs return to Wrigley Field for a quick two-game set with Pittsburgh starting Monday at 7:05pm CT. Adrian Sampson takes on Pirates starter JT Brubaker in a broadcast available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.