Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/2/24): Phillies 6, Cubs 4 – Turner Tops Cubs at Wrigley

The Cubs faced a tall task going against the Phillies on Tuesday night and fell into a big hole before a late rally made another loss look a bit more presentable. Trea Turner was the hero in this contest with a pair of homers as the beat went on for Chicago.

Philadelphia used a walk and a double to put runners on second and third with none out against Hayden Wesneski in the 2nd inning. After a strikeout, catcher Garrett Stubbs poked a two-run double down the third base line to put the road team ahead 2-0. Turner crushed his first homer, a solo shot to left, to lead off the 3rd.

The Cubs got their only tally against rookie Michael Mercado in the bottom of that frame when Cody Bellinger hit an RBI double. The Phillies shortstop cracked his second dinger in the 5th inning, this time a two-run blast, and singled home run number six in the 7th for good measure.

Seiya Suzuki created a little bit of excitement when he hit a three-run homer against reliever José Ruiz in the bottom of the 9th. But that was all the North Siders would get as Jeff Hoffman took over and retired the next three batters to save the 6-4 Philly victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs got completely roasted by Trea Turner in this game. Must be nice to have a big-money shortstop who can carry the offense even with three other dangerous bats on the IL.

Why the Cubs Lost

The offense was unable to take advantage of the favorable conditions until it was too late and their opponents didn’t wait to use the wind.

Stats That Matter

• Wesneski once again fell victim to the home run ball, which has become a real problem for him this season: 5 IP, 5 R, 5 H, 7 K, and 3 BB.
• Suzuki continues to hit for power recently and had two hits.
• Bellinger had a pair of hits and was robbed of a double by Nick Castellanos, of all people.

Bottom Line

The Phillies are a good example of why it helps to add elite talent instead of just going for good-but-not-great players with greater perceived value. Even with a couple of major injuries depleting their lineup, Turner single-handedly led his team to victory Tuesday. It’s something the Cubs just don’t have and it’s proving very costly in 2024.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Wednesday at 7:05pm CT. Shōta Imanaga tools with Zack Wheeler in a contest available on MLB Network (out of market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.