Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/5/2019): Cubs 6, Athletics 5 — Javy Báez Hits Two Home Runs, Cubs Bullpen Survives

Tell me you didn’t think Marcus Simien hit a three-run homer with two outs in the top of the ninth that would’ve given the A’s an 8-6 lead. You’re lying if you didn’t think he went yard…

When Wrigley’s dust cleared from the seven homers launched into the atmosphere, the Cubs (61-51) somehow came away with a 6-5 win at Wrigley against the scrappy Athletics (64-49).

Nicholas Castellanos‘ first-inning oppo taco homer immediately gave Kyle Hendricks a 1-0 lead. But Castellanos’ homer would be Hendricks’ only run support.

Hendricks finished the night only surrendering one base hit but two runs due to a walk to Jurrickson Profar followed by a Marcus Semien home run.

Javier Báez tied the game in the bottom of the 5th with a 454 ft bomb that almost cleared the stands in left-center. That wasn’t his only trick either, as he had more magic up his sleeve later in the game.

In the bottom of the 6th, Ian Happ smacked a 474-foot rocket deep into the right-center bleachers to give the Cubs a 3-2 lead. Next was Jason Heyward, who singled to right and promptly scored on a Nick Castellanos double. After a Bryant ground out and Rizzo strikeout, Javy put the Cubs up 6-2 on a homer that barely cleared the center field basket

A 6-2 lead quickly dissipated in the top of the 8th thanks to Illinois native Nick Martini, whose pinch-hit two-run moonshot to right field to score cut the lead down to 6-4. While Martini’s fan section was busy celebrating, Marcus Simien hit another off Cishek. All of a sudden, it was just 6-5 Cubs.

Brandon Kintzler replaced Cishek to get the last two outs of the eight inning and keep the score halted at 6-5. Kintlzer, though, left the game grimacing and grabbing his right pectoral muscle.

Maddon called upon Kyle Ryan for the save in the 9th inning, but Ryan gave up a walk and a hit after recording the first two outs. David Phelps came into the game for the last out of the ninth and got Simien to fly out to the warning track. I thought it was gone… but Cubs win. Cubs win. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Won

The Cubs hit more home runs. It’s pretty much that simple. Castellanos, Happ, and Javy (2) all homered.

Key Moment

The bottom of the 7th was the most important inning for the Cubs. Homers from Happ and Baez and hits from Castellanos and Heyward gave the Cubs a 6-2 lead. Ian Happ’s 474 ft bomb started the rally and broke a 2-2 tie.

Stats that Matter

  • Courtesy of David Ross on the ESPN broadcast- 1 swing and miss on 66 pitches from Cub relievers tonight. They were not fooling anyone tonight and were lucky the Cubs exploded for four in the 7th inning. At least they held on for dear life and got the 27th out before the A’s scored a sixth run.
  • Castellanos continued roping balls, including a bomb the other way in the first inning. He was 3-4 for the game and is now 8-20 since missing his trip to Six Flags and joining the Cubs.
  • Báez celebrated the fifth anniversary of his debut with a magical night– 2-3 with two bombs, three RBI, and a CB Bucknor-aided walk.
  • Kyle Schwarber was part of the multi-hit club as well with a 2-4 performance. He would have been 2-3 with a walk, but Bucknor’s gaffe on a pitch clearly out of the strike zone stole Schwarber’s base on balls. Schwarber is now 8-16 with 6 walks and a HBP in his last 23 PA.
  • Kyle Hendricks gave up only 1 hit in 6.1 innings but earned himself a no-decision yet again because the Cubs couldn’t score until after he was pulled. In his last seven starts (38.1 IP), Hendricks has given up only 26 hits and nine runs. He also has 37 strikeouts and just 11 walks. He’s 1-3 with 3 ND over those seven starts.
  • Rowan Wick now has a 1.98 ERA this season. He is going to be used in the 8th and 9th innings if Kintzler’s injury is serious.

Bottom Line

The Cubs continue to pile up wins at home and now have an absurd 40-18 record at home. They are now 2.5 games up on St. Louis.

On Deck

The A’s and Cubs continue their three game interleague set on Tuesday night at 7:05 CT. Old pal Brett Anderson gets the start for the A’s and Jon Lester gets the ball for the Cubs in a battle of southpaws. MLB Network and NBC Sports Chicago will televise the game, and 670 The Score will have the game on the radio.

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