Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/6/20): Cubs 2, Royals 13 – Cubs Rocked by 6-Run Inning

The Chicago Cubs came into tonight’s game looking for a sweep. Tyler Chatwood, who had previously only allowed one earned run over 12.2 IP, took the hill for the Northsiders with a chance to earn his third victory of the season.

It wasn’t Chatwood’s night, as he got pounded for eight runs in under three innings. The Cubs were never in this one.  (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Chatwood hung too many pitches to KC’s aggressive batters, allowing eight earned runs on 11 hits. After allowing three runs over the first two innings, he was rocked for five more earned runs in the 3rd inning and exited after allowing five consecutive hits.

Key Moment

After giving up a leadoff double to Maikel Franco in the 2nd inning, Chatwood struck out Nicky Lopez and Nick Heath. With a 2-2 count to Whit Merrifield, the Cubs righthander hung a curveball which Merrifield blasted to left field, giving the Royals an early 3-0 advantage. While Chatwood was able to exit that inning without any further damage, he was never able to settle in and was hammered for five more runs in a six-run 3rd inning for KC.

Stats that Matter

• Chatwood’s ERA is now up to 5.40 after a very poor showing.
• The only Cubs pitcher who was able to pitch a 1-2-3 inning was Ryan Tepera, who threw 1.1 innings with no baserunners allowed and 2 strikeouts.
• Craig Kimbrel still isn’t fooling anyone. Brett Phillips led off the 8th inning with a triple against Kimbrel and scored on a single by Alex Gordon.

Bottom Line

This was a very disappointing loss for the Cubs ahead of a big series against the Cardinals. Chatwood will need to bounce back his next time out to avoid further calls for a demotion to the bullpen upon the return of José Quintana.

On Deck

The Cubs head to St. Louis for a three-game weekend series against their primary division rivals. There has been no word about any potential postponements due to the recent COVID-19 outbreak on the Redbirds. Jon Lester (1-0, 0.82 ERA) is set to face Daniel Ponce de Leon (0-1, 6.75 ERA). Listen on 670 The Score or watch on Marquee Sports Network.