Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/6/20): Cardinals 7, Cubs 3 – Division Lead Shrinks as Lester Struggles Again
The Cubs were hoping for a bounceback performance after being swept in Saturday’s doubleheader and looking bad doing it. Instead, the Cardinals beat up on Jon Lester Sunday night and moved even closer to first place.
The teams traded solo homers in the 1st inning with Tommy Edman and Anthony Rizzo providing the poser. Jason Kipnis gave the Cubs a lead when he mashed a Dakota Hudson slider for a two-run homer in the 2nd.
Lester ran into problems in the 3rd inning and fell victim to the home run ball again. Paul Goldschmidt did what he does best and pounded a long three-run bomb well on to Waveland to give the Cardinals a 4-3 lead.
The Cards added another run that inning and Lester got the hook with one out in the 4th inning. The Cubs bullpen surrendered two more runs in the 6th to make it 7-3, while the offense continued to sputter. In fact, that 7-3 lead wound up being the final score. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
Lester struggled again and the offense went into hibernation after a strong start with wind conditions fly balls.
Key Moment
Big Jon has little margin for error with his current stuff and when a pitch leaked over the heart of the plate to Goldschmidt it was going to go a long way.
Stats That Matter
- It just doesn’t seem to be working for Lester right now: 3.1 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 4 K, and 2 BB. His ERA currently sits at 5.80.
- Kris Bryant had two rocket hits, including a double.
- Jason Heyward was feeling under the weather and left the game early.
Bottom Line
With injuries and Lester’s struggles, the Cubs’ rotation depth is being severely tested right now. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are rapidly approaching in the rearview mirror. Winning the final game of this series feels like a big deal for Chicago right now.
On Deck
That final game of the series is a Labor Day matinee at 3:05pm CT. Kyle Hendricks faces Johan Oviedo in a game available on ESPN and Marquee.
