Chicago Cubs Score

Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/4/24): Cubs 10, Phillies 2 – Happ-y Fourth of July at Wrigley

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandJuly 4, 2024

After weeks of offensive stagnation, the Cubs lineup set off some fireworks on the Fourth of July at Wrigley Field. The heavy lifting was done by Ian Happ, who blasted a pair of three-run homers — one from each side of the plate — to rout the Phillies and avoid a sweep.

Philadelphia took an early lead on Jameson Taillon with a Brandon Marsh RBI single in the top of the 1st. Nick Castellanos doubled the advantage with a solo shot in the 4th and it looked like another loss for Chicago.

It was in the bottom of that frame when the Cubs finally woke up for the first time in months. They got the first two runners on against left-hander Cristopher Sánchez and Happ hit a line drive over the wall in left to put his team ahead 3-2. A David Bote double set up an RBI groundout, followed by a single from Nico Hoerner that made it 5-2 at the end of the inning.

The North Siders got the first two men on base again in the bottom of the 5th inning. Happ came up again, this time with right-hander Seranthony Domínguez on the mound, and mashed a long home run to right field to make it a whopping 8-2 margin.

Taillon was very good yet again, pitching seven strong frames with only two runs allowed. Christopher Morel added an RBI single in the 7th and Cody Bellinger had an RBI groundout in the 8th as the Cubs rolled to a 10-2 win. (Box score)

Key Moment

Adding on after taking the lead was big, as the 5th-inning runs turned what would’ve been another close game into a laugher. The blowout was very refreshing change.

Why the Cubs Won

A quality start was finally supported by some explosive offense, which has been very rare around these parts.

Stats That Matter

  • Taillon continues to pitch great lately and was finally rewarded with a victory: 7 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 7 K, and 0 BB.
  • After hitting for almost no power early in the season, Happ has gone off with 11 homers and 10 doubles since May 26.
  • Seiya Suzuki got on base four times Thursday and scored three runs.

Bottom Line

Well, that was a fun afternoon of baseball for a change. The Cubs’ performance was much more like what fans had hoped the offense would be in 2024. It’s likely too late but it would be nice to see a few more games like this one the rest of the season.

On Deck

The Los Angeles Angels come to Wrigley Field for three games starting Friday at 1:20pm CT. Justin Steele goes up against Griffin Canning in a matchup available on MLB Network (out of market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandJuly 4, 2024
Back to top button