Chicago Cubs Score

Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/20/24, Game 2): Cubs 5, Marlins 3 – 6th Inning Rally Earns Doubleheader Split

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandApril 21, 2024

The Cubs bounced back nicely in the nightcap of their doubleheader with the Marlins after dropping the opening game in dramatic fashion. Chicago fell behind in the middle innings before scoring four runs in the 6th to earn a comeback victory.

Cody Bellinger blasted a solo shot off rookie Roddery Muñoz to put the Cubs ahead 1-0 in the 1st inning. Shōta Imanaga ran into trouble in the 4th when shortstop Nico Hoerner booted a routine Josh Bell grounder and Tim Anderson doubled him home. Jazz Chisholm Jr. followed with an RBI single to put Miami in front 2-1.

Imanaga went six quality frames but did allow a solo dinger to Bell in his final inning and left trailing 3-1. Alexander Canario responded with his own homer in the bottom of the 6th to end Muñoz’s night and cut the deficit to 3-2.

Anthony Bender took over and was greeted by singles from Hoerner and Christopher Morel, who eventually ended up on second and third with one out for Michael Busch. The rookie punched a line drive above the drawn-in shortstop to bring in both runners and give Chicago the lead. Garrett Cooper added an RBI hit as well to make it 5-3 after six.

Ben Brown came on in relief and fired two clean innings of work to protecting the lead. Héctor Neris got the save opportunity and pitched around a one-out single to seal the win. (Box score)

Key Moment

In the 6th, Bender threw a wild pitch to Busch on a 0-2 count that allowed the two men on base to advance to second and third. The Cubs first baseman hit the next offering past the suddenly drawn in infield for the go-ahead runs.

Why the Cubs Won

The lineup was able to produce a little bit more than they did in the first game and the bullpen did a much better job.

Stats That Matter

  • Imanaga gave up his first career earned runs Saturday but still had a pretty good outing: 6 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 5 H, 5 K, and 0 BB.
  • Busch had a pair of hits after sitting the previous two games against lefty starters.
  • Canario also walked in addition to his homer.

Bottom Line

Chicago did not let a potentially demoralizing loss in game one affect them in this contest. Having a short memory is a good trait for a baseball team to have and so far the Cubs have demonstrated that. Busch makes a massive difference in this lineup.

On Deck

Chicago goes for the series win Sunday afternoon at 1:20pm CT. Kyle Hendricks desperately needs a decent performance as he faces Edward Cabrera in a game broadcast on Marquee and 670 The Score.

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandApril 21, 2024
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