Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/2/19): Cubs 5, Mariners 1 – Offense Finally Breaks Through in Cubs Win

The Cubs offense had gone into safe mode the last two games, with no runs scored on what looked like minimal effort. Monday felt like more of the same through six innings. Chicago’s luck finally turned late, however, giving the home team a much-needed win.

Starters Kyle Hendricks and Justus Sheffield traded zeroes through four innings and the Cubs left nine men on base through five frames. Dylan Moore and Dee Gordon hit back-to-back doubles in the top of the 5th to make it a 1-0 M’s lead.

The Cubs broke through in the bottom of the 7th after Matt Wisler walked Jason Heyward and Kris Bryant with one out. Lefty Taylor Guilbeau took over and Anthony Rizzo broke the 26-inning scoreless streak with a single to center.

Seattle manager Scott Servais inexplicably walked pinch-hitter Albert Almora Jr. to load the bases, after which Kyle Schwarber smashed a ground ball that hit first base and rolled into the outfield for a three-run triple.

Schwarber went on to score on a ground ball from Addison Russell to make it a 5-1 lead. Duane Underwood Jr. and big lefty Brad Wieck pitched the last two innings to secure the win. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Hendricks was good, with just one run allowed through six innings, but the offense finally waking up decided the game. After nearly three games with no runs, any kind of offense seemed like a miracle.

Key Moment

Schwarber’s triple was huge, though Rizzo’s single was really the key to the whole thing. It broke an 0-for-24 stretch with runners in scoring position for Chicago and seemed to relax everyone after tension had been steadily building all day.

Stats That Matter

• The Professor deserved the win Monday: 6 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K, 1 BB. It was nice to see after his rough outing in New York.
• Rizzo was perfect with two singles and two hit by pitches. Seriously, he may break the all time hit-batter record, which I think Craig Biggio currently holds.
• Schwarber delivered in a big moment with runners on. He has struggled in those spots before, so kudos to him.

Bottom Line

Good teams take care of business against bad teams. That was what the Cubs needed to do this Labor Day and they did. The offense is still a bit of a mess, so don’t let one inning fool you.

On Deck

Chicago goes for the mini-sweep Tuesday at 7:05pm CT as veterans Jon Lester and Félix Hernández take the hill in game airing on NBC Sports Chicago and 670 The Score.