Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/25/24): Marlins 7, Cubs 2 – Sluggish Offense Means No Sweep

The Cubs came in to Sunday’s game against the Marlins hoping to complete a much-needed three-game sweep. Unfortunately, they fell behind immediately and the lineup that has been on such a roll the past few days did almost nothing as Miami salvaged the finale.

The Marlins grabbed the lead on Javier Assad in the opening inning with a pair of solo home runs from Connor Norby and Jesús Sánchez that made it 2-0. Chicago cut the margin in half in the 2nd when catcher Christian Bethancourt singled home a run off of journeyman starter Adam Oller.

Norby doubled to begin the 3rd inning and came around to score on a ground out by Sánchez. Both starting pitchers settled in nicely after that as the score remained 3-1 through seven frames. Julian Merryweather relieved Assad in the 8th and Miami pounded him for four runs to break the game wide open.

The Cubs picked up a meaningless tally in the top of the 9th as they saw their three-game winning streak snapped. (Box score)

Key Moment

Chicago had runners on first and second with one out in the top of the 7th trailing 3-1. Reliever Jesus Tinoco struck out Ian Happ and then Michael Busch was robbed of a hit on a great diving play by second baseman Otto Lopez to end the threat.

Why the Cubs Lost

The offense just could not take advantage of a low-level starting pitcher despite a pretty good effort by their hurler.

Stats That Matter

• Assad settled down nicely after a shaky beginning and at least gave the bullpen a break with his longest outing of the season: 7 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 3K, and 1 BB.
• Happ had three hits including two doubles, but came up empty with a chance to tie the game.
• Merryweather has struggled mightily since returning from his injury with a 6.60 ERA on the season.
• The Marlins’ Sánchez was called out in the 8th inning when he was intentionally walked and failed to touch first base before being removed for a pinch-runner.

Bottom Line

If the Cubs want to get back in the race, just winning two out of three against bad teams is not going to be enough. They need a long winning streak at some point in the next five weeks, but they never seem to be able to build enough momentum to make any real noise.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Pittsburgh for three games at PNC Park beginning Monday at 5:40pm CT. The suddenly struggling Jameson Taillon takes the mound against Mitch Keller in a matchup airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.