Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/30/21): Reds 5, Cubs 1 – Cubs Winning Streak Snapped at 6

The Cubs were riding a six-game winning-streak into Sunday’s contest at Wrigley Field, but all those good vibes found their way to the Reds dugout and Cincinnati salvaged a win in the series finale.

Jake Arrieta allowed a pair of singles and a walk to load the bases in the 1st inning. It looked as if he might limit the damage to a sacrifice fly, but an error by first baseman Kris Bryant extended the inning. A hit batter and an infield hit added a pair of unearned runs to the Reds’ lead.

Tyler Mahle was locked in and kept a makeshift Cubs offense off the board. Cincinnati added two more in the 4th, one of which came on a long solo homer from Eugenio Suárez. A Bryant bloop single in the 8th chased home Chicago’s only run in a 5-1 loss. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Arrieta put them in an early hole and they could not dig out of it.

Key Moment 

Bryant shoveled his misplayed 1st inning grounder to second for a force-out. A video review found Tyler Stephenson beat the throw and was safe.

Stats That Matter

• Arrieta’s command issues were a problem again: 3.2 IP, 5 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 K, and 4 BB.
• This is the first time the Cubs lost by more than one run since April 30.

Bottom Line

You can’t win them all and this game proves it. The injuries are starting to grind on the Cubs a bit and it would be nice if some of the dinged-up started returning to the lineup soon.

On Deck

The Padres come to Wrigley for three games starting Memorial Day at 1:20pm CT. Chris Paddack faces a yet to be named Cubs starter in a matchup airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.