Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/24/22): Pirates 6, Cubs 0 – Shutout Stymies Streak
The Cubs saw their four-game winning streak come to an end in Pittsburgh on Saturday night, when one very bad inning was enough to bury Chicago’s light-hitting lineup.
Diego Castillo put the Pirates on the board with a sacrifice fly against Wade Miley in the 1st inning, effectively winning the game for the home team. Johan Oviedo was dominant, keeping the Cubs offense completely stymied.
Miley injured his left oblique on a throwing error trying to nail the lead runner on a bunt attempt in the 5th and had to leave the game. Adbert Alzolay replaced him and allowed a two-run double to rookie Ji Hwan Bae. Jack Suwinski then blasted a three-run bomb to dead center field to put the game out of reach.
Chicago had just two hits the rest of the way and went down in an uninspired 6-0 shutout loss. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
Miley was pitching well, but it wouldn’t have mattered even if he had not been injured because, well, they didn’t score any runs.
Eye on the Future
- Alzolay continues to get beat up on by left-handed hitters, something he will have to work on if he wants a bigger role next season.
- Christopher Morel had a double on Saturday for the Cubs’ only extra-base hit.
Taking Note
- Miley was pretty good when he did pitch, it was just that he was injured almost the whole year. So I guess it was inevitable his season ended this way.
Bottom Line
This was a game that was played and is now over, bringing the Cubs a little closer to a merciful conclusion. Onward toward Sunday’s series finale.
On Deck
That final game of the series is Sunday at 12:35pm CT. Adrian Sampson faces Luis Ortiz in a game airing on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.