Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/21/19): Mets 5, Cubs 4 – Darvish’s Dubious Distinction

A seesaw game ended with a Mets win in Cubs starter Yu Darvish‘s 10th consecutive no-decision, which is a record for the team.

The Mets struck in the 2nd when first baseman Dominic Smith ground into a double play that drove in Michael Conforto. The Cubs got into the action in the bottom of the inning when Javy Báez drew a walk, stole second, and advanced to third on a Mets error that also allowed David Bote to reach base. Bote then stole his second base of the year. Albert Almora Jr. knocked in the tying run with a groundout and Darvish helped himself out with an RBI single to score Bote.

The Mets came back quickly in the 3rd, with a single by Tomas Nido and a Jeff McNeil home run putting the Mets up 3-2. In the bottom of the 5th, Darvish singled to center, setting the stage for an Addison Russell home run that set the Cubs ahead 4-3.

Again the Mets came back in the 6th with a Conforto home run that tied the game at 4-4. Almora reached in the bottom of the inning the Cubs had Almora, but he was picked off at first to end any threat. The Mets went up for good in the 7th when McNeil’s single drove in Adeiny Hechavarria to put the final score at 5-4. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Making outs on the bases. Mets starter Jason Vargas left in the 5th with just over 100 pitches, so the Cubs managed to work the count enough to get to the Mets’ shaky relief corps. They were unable to convert enough baserunners into runs, which has been the story of the season.

Key Moments

Almora was picked off first base to end the 6th inning and Rizzo was caught in a rundown between second and third to end the 8th. The game didn’t hinge on any one moment, but those didn’t help.

Stats that Matter

• Darvish again got a no-decision, his 10th in a row.
• The only Cubs batter with multiple hits was the pitcher, which isn’t typically a good thing.
• Brad Brach’s ERA is up to 6.35 after he allowed another run in less than an inning.

Bottom Line

Darvish’s unlucky streak continues. His pitching has improved without the outcomes improving, which is tough. Hopefully the offense can sync up with him soon to provide the run support needed to bolster his ratio.

On Deck

Tomorrow’s game features lefty José Quintana (4-6) for the Cubs and righty Zack Wheeler (5-5) for the Mets. First pitch at Wrigley is at 1:20pm CT, televised on ABC-7 (or MLB Network out-of-market) and on the radio at 670 The Score.