Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/16/21): Cubs 5, Tigers 1 – Happ, Hendricks Lead Cubs to Win

The Cubs aimed to win their first series on the road in 2021 Sunday afternoon in Detroit. Kyle Hendricks was on a mission to get that victory and dominated the Tigers all afternoon.

The offensive star for Chicago was the recently reactivated Ian Happ. He scored from second on a potential double-play that Kris Bryant beat out in the 3rd. Happ then popped a run-scoring bloop double to center in the following frame to make it 2-0.

The Cubs put the game on ice in the 6th inning. David Bote doubled Matt Duffy home and then scored on a Nico Hoerner sacrifice fly. Happ completed his stellar day with a solo home run off lefty Matthew Boyd.

Five runs were plenty of cushion for Hendricks. The Professor breezed through eight innings before running out of steam in the 9th. Dan Winkler took over and sealed the 5-1 win. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won 

A terrific pitching effort makes winning a whole lot easier and the Cubs got that Sunday from Hendricks.

Key Moment 

The 6th inning rally gave David Ross breathing room to avoid going to the bullpen until the final inning.

Stats That Matter

• Hendricks froze several Tigers on called third strikes: 8 IP, 1 R, 8 H, 8 K, and 0 BB.
• Hopefully, Happ builds on his big day: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2B, HR
• Anthony Rizzo and Javy Báez each had a pair of hits.

Bottom Line

A sweep would have been great, but winning two-of-three from the lousy Tigers was the minimum requirement and the Cubs did that. A return to form by Kyle Hendricks would do Chicago a world of good.

On Deck

The Cubs start a four-game series with Washington Monday at Wrigley Field. Adbert Alzolay takes on big lefty Jon Lester, in his first return to Wrigley since leaving the Cubs. The game starts at 6:40pm CT and will air on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score. Those of you who’ve cut the cord can watch the game on fuboTV – you can check out a free trial of fuboTV here to see if you like it.