Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/30/22, Game 1): Cubs 6, Brewers 7 – Sloppy Defense Costs Cubs

Both the Cubs and the Brewers starting pitchers today were making their MLB debuts, which is rare to see and something you’d expect to lead to somewhat unexpected outcomes.

For the Cubs, Matt Swarmer pitched well giving up just two runs early, one unearned. The first run came via a solo home run by Jace Peterson, with the second run scoring after a sloppy error in center by Clint Frazier. Swarmer rebounded and was cruising along until he got tagged for a two-run home run in the top of the 6th by Tyrone Taylor, both runs would be scored as unearned due to an error earlier in the inning on a throw to first by Patrick Wisdom.

The Cubs scored two runs in both the bottom of the 3rd and 4th innings. Nico Hoerner singled to drive in two runs with the bases loaded in the 3rd. P.J. Higgins hit his first career MLB home run in the bottom of the 4th, a solo shot. Rafael Ortega made it back-to-back jacks when he homered to give the Cubs a 4-2 lead until the Brewers tied it up in the 6th on the Taylor homer.

The Cubs bullpen could not hold the Brewers down. Luis Urias hit a basket-shot three-run home run in the top of the 7th against Daniel Norris. That gave the Brewers a three run lead that they would not relinquish. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Sloppy defense led to three unearned runs. Daniel Norris gave up three runs in relief. The rest is history.

Key Moment

After pitching six very productive innings, Swarmer was pulled for Norris in the 7th who promptly gave up a three-run home run.

Stats That Matter

• Swarmer was solid in his MLB debut: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 2 HR
• Both teams combined for five home runs: three by the Brewers and two by the Cubs. Most teams don’t come out ahead over the Brewers in a home run contest.

Bottom Line

The Cubs needed to stop the Brewers from hitting the long ball and they did not. Add that to two errors that led to three runs and the Cubs just didn’t have enough firepower to overcome the deficit.

On Deck

The Cubs and Brewers line up tonight at 6:40pm CT for the second game of the doubleheader. Drew Smyly (2-5, 4.08 ERA) will take the hill for the Cubs against Aaron Ashby (0-3, 2.91 ERA) for the Brewers. The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.