Cubs Drop Game, Series to Streaking Marlins

The Miami Marlins’ (41-35) Jose Hernandez was good against the Chicago Cubs (48-26) on Sunday night. Really, really good. He seemed to get better as the game went on and was topping out at 97 MPH in the seventh inning, just before he got pulled from the game after throwing 108 pitches.

The Cubs were able to get one run in the top of the third inning, on a bases loaded sacrifice fly by Kris Bryant. That was the last inning the Cubs could manage to get a runner in scoring position against Hernandez.

Meanwhile, the Marlins got six runs on nine hits. Jason Hammel (7-4, 2.58 ERA) was good on a night the Cubs needed it. He went 6 innings and gave up only two runs on four hits, giving the Cubs a chance.

The Cubs’ bullpen did no favors though, giving up four runs on five hits and a walk. An ugly outing for the ‘pen.

Stats that mattered

• Hammel was good enough to get a quality start but not good enough to get the win – 6IP, 2R, 4H, 2BB, 3Ks
• Heyward got involved and that was good to see – 2-for-4
• Fernandez was lights out – 7IP, 1R, 4H, 3BB, 13Ks
• The bullpen stunk – 2IP, 4R, 5H, 1BB, 2Ks

Bottom line

The Cubs came up against a team, in the Miami Marlins, that certainly appears to be on the rise. They played like a team that could be primed to make a playoff run this year. You have to respect the way they played in this series against the Cubs.

Next up

The Cubs get no rest, in the middle of a streak of 24 straight games heading into the all-star break. They’ll travel to Cincinnati to take on the Reds, who have the second worst record in the National League. Jake Arrieta (11-2, 1.74 ERA) will take the hill for the Cubs.