Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/20/24): D-Backs 3, Cubs 0 – Nothing Happening in Shutout Loss

After a brief improvement in play, the Cubs appear to be back to their struggling ways with another uninspiring loss at Wrigley Field Saturday. The Diamondbacks hit a pair of home runs in the 5th inning and Chicago was unable to dent the scoreboard.

Kyle Hendricks and Zac Gallen navigated the first four frames without allowing any runs to score. Gallen had trouble throwing strikes, eventually walking six Cubs hitters but none of them crossed the plate.

Hendricks made his only two big mistakes in the 5th and paid dearly for them. First, light-hitting outfielder Alek Thomas hit an opposite-field line drive to right that barely reached the basket for a solo shot. Then after a walk, Corbin Carroll launched a two-run homer to left field to give Arizona a 3-0 lead.

The North Siders got men on second and third with nobody out in the bottom of the frame. The results were much the same as Friday, with two strikeouts and a ground ball ending the inning without any runs scoring.

The Cubs were able to get just one hit the final four innings as they went down very quietly 3-0. (Box score)

Key Moment

Chicago really needed productive outs with runners on second and third and nobody out in the 5th. Two of their hottest hitters, Seiya Suzuki and Ian Happ, were due up and both struck out. The Cubs came away completely empty-handed and never threatened again.

Why the Cubs Lost

The lineup has returned to its struggles with runners in scoring position. The pitching staff did a good job but got absolutely no support.

Stats That Matter

• Hendricks was fine but he had to be perfect on Saturday: 5 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 2 K, and 3 BB.
• Miguel Amaya had two hits and is starting to climb towards a .600 OPS.

Bottom Line

The 2024 Cubs are not only bad, they are also boring. Many games they look like they are just going through the motions. I’m not necessarily saying they aren’t giving effort or anything, it’s just that often it feels like the game is decided in the 5th or 6th inning. They’ve offered absolutely no evidence a turnaround is even possible, which is just kind of dispiriting.

On Deck

Chicago looks to avoid a sweep Sunday at 1:20pm CT. Shōta Imanaga takes on Brandon Pfaadt in a game available on Marquee and 670 The Score.