Chicago Cubs Score

Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/1/23): Cubs 20, Reds 9 – Offense Surges to Candy Crush Cincinnati

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandAugust 2, 2023

The Cubs’ new-look lineup was very impressive Tuesday night, exploding on Reds starter Ben Lively for 13 runs and eventually putting up 20 total in a complete laugher. Chicago took full advantage of the wind blowing out to hit a whopping seven home runs.

The scoring fun began immediately in the bottom of the 1st inning when the Cubs put up five runs on Lively. The big blow of the frame came on a three-run home run off the bat of Dansby Swanson. A wild pitch and an error by new first baseman Jeimer Candelario cut the advantage to 5-2 in the 2nd.

Cody Bellinger got those right back, denting the right field video board with a massive two-run dinger the following half-inning. Mike Tauchman‘s opposite-field three-run shot had Chicago ahead 10-2 in the 3rd inning and the rout was on.

Swanson added his second homer and Nick Madrigal doubled as the Cubs tacked on three more in the 4th. Justin Steele was never in serious jeopardy with the huge lead and pitched six innings leaving with a 13-5 bulge.

Nico Hoerner crushed a solo shot in the bottom of the 7th and Cincinnati brought in backup catcher Luke Maile to finish off the game on the mound. Patrick Wisdom and Miguel Amaya each took him deep to get the North Siders to an even 20 runs.

Left-handed reliever Anthony Kay had a bit of an adventure closing out the final inning but the Cubs eventually won by a score of 20-9. (Box score)

Key Moment

Chicago set the tone immediately with the five-run opening inning. The Reds were forced to leave their starter out to wear one after overworking the bullpen on Monday, with the result being a lopsided win for the home team.

Why the Cubs Won

Scoring 20 times in a baseball game usually covers up any mistakes or issues you might have on a given night. They were able to breeze to victory even with their starter and their defense not having their sharpest performances.

Stats That Matter

  • Steele was pretty wild and didn’t have a great feel for his slider but was definitely good enough in this romp: 6 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 9 H, 6 K, and 0 BB.
  • Impressive debut for Candelario at the plate Tuesday with four hits in five at-bats, including a double.
  • Swanson had five RBI with his two dingers.
  • Tauchman got on base four more times and continues to be a great leadoff hitter.

Bottom Line

The lineup is more formidable as currently constructed and it gets even more impressive when Tucker Barnhart is replaced by Amaya or Yan Gomes. This squad will be able to score with anyone down the stretch. No matter what happens, these games are going to be very entertaining over the last two months of the season.

On Deck

The third game of the series is Wednesday at 7:05pm CT. Drew Smyly takes the hill against fellow left-hander Brandon Williamson in a game airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandAugust 2, 2023
Back to top button