Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/19/24): D-Backs 5, Cubs 2 – New Half, Same Problems

The Cubs began the second half of the season with an effort very similar to a big chunk of their games in the first half. They fell behind early and a sputtering lineup was unable to mount much of a comeback, despite a couple of golden opportunities late.

Justin Steele was in trouble all day long on Friday with almost constant traffic on the bases. Arizona went ahead in the 3rd inning with five singles, including RBI hits from Gabriel Moreno and Christian Walker, to give the road team a 3-0 lead.

Meanwhile, Cubs hitters could generate very little against D-backs starter Ryne Nelson with just two hits through the first five frames. Randal Grichuk had a run-scoring single and Corbin Carroll added a sacrifice fly to end Steele’s afternoon and increase the margin to 5-0 in the 5th.

Chicago got a couple runners on base against Nelson in the bottom of the 6th and he was removed from the game for reliever Kevin Ginkel. Christopher Morel grounded the Arizona hurler’s first offering through the infield to bring home a run and cut the margin to 5-1.

The Cubs’ best chance on Friday came in the bottom of the 8th when they loaded the bases with nobody out. Unfortunately, they came away with just an Ian Happ sac fly and still trailed by three. The North Siders got the tying run to the plate again with one out in the 9th but the rally fizzled and the D-Backs won 5-2. (Box score)

Key Moment

Several iffy strike calls hurt the Cubs on Friday. Morel took a very questionable third strike in the 8th inning as he represented the tying run. Even with that, they had numerous chances in the last two innings to come through with a big hit to make it more interesting and they failed to do so.

Why the Cubs Lost

They did not get a good starting pitching effort and failed to produce with runners in scoring position, going 2-for-8 on Friday.

Stats That Matter

• Almost every hit Steele gave up was a single, but most of them came from pretty hard contact. He probably was due for some regression after a string of excellent starts: 4.2 IP, 5 R, 9 H, 6 K, and 2 BB.
• Nico Hoerner stayed red hot with three hits including a double and extended his hitting streak to 12 games.
• New bullpen addition Jesus Tinoco pitched two scoreless innings with a pair of strikeouts.

Bottom Line

Not a very good start for a stretch the Cubs have to play well in. The inconsistency that has plagued Craig Counsell‘s squad all year long continues to show up and it’s probably a feature and not a bug.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Saturday at 6:15pm CT. Kyle Hendricks takes the mound against Zac Gallen in a contest airing exclusively on Fox with a radio broadcast on 670 The Score.