Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (Simulated Game 15): Cardinals 4, Cubs 3 – Cubs Lose Late on Play at Plate

The Chicago Cubs (8-7) have been playing much better after a slow start, but bullpen issues continue to limit their success. Rowan Wick, who has stumbled several times, was again the victim as the scuffling St. Louis Cardinals (4-11) pulled out a dramatic victory at Wrigley Field, via MLB The Show 20.

Chicago rallied against starter Daniel Ponce de Leon in the bottom of the 1st inning. Anthony Rizzo and Javy Báez singled to put two on with one out for Kyle Schwarber, who sliced a two-run double to left field to give the Cubs a 2-0 lead.

Tyler Chatwood was very sharp early, allowing just one hit and two walks through five scoreless innings. He ran into a jam in the 6th after singles from Dexter Fowler and Kolten Wong, turning the game over to the relief corps.

Wick replaced the starter with two down in the frame, pitching very carefully to Paul Goldschmidt and eventually walking him to load the bases. A fastball to Matt Carpenter caught too much of the plate and the king of weak salsa blasted a go-ahead grand slam to right field.

Alec Mills was brilliant in three perfect innings of relief to keep the score at 4-2 and the Cubs made a push against closer Giovanny Gallegos in the 9th. Ian Happ and Kris Bryant singled before Báez knocked in Happ to cut the score to 4-3.

With two outs it appeared Willson Contreras had tied the score on a line-drive single to right. Bryant raced for the plate, but Tommy Edman fired home to Yadier Molina to nail the third baseman and end the game.

Key Players:
Schwarber – 2-for-3, 2 BB, 2B, 2 RBI
Báez – 2-for-5, 2B, RBI
Heyward – 0-for-2, 2 BB
Carpenter – 1-for-3, BB, HR, 4 RBI
Fowler – 1-for-1, R

Winning Pitcher – Ponce de Leon (1-1)
Losing Pitcher – Wick (1-1)
Save – Gallegos (3)
Home Runs – Carpenter (2)