Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/1/21): Cubs 4, Padres 3 – Cubs Survive Home Run Derby, Secure Series Win

Kyle Hendricks (5-4, 4.63 ERA) toed the rubber against Ryan Weathers (2-1, 1.31 ERA) in game two of the series, looking for his fourth consecutive quality start. Hendricks was impressive in May, going 4-1 with a 2.67 ERA while allowing only three walks and striking out 26 batters, but the home run stung him even in his wins.

Patrick Wisdom put the Cubs on the board in the 2nd inning with a two-run tater to left, his third in the last two games. The Padres went ahead 3-2 in the 5th after home runs by Victor Caratini and Tommy Pham against changeups Hendricks hung high. The Cubs regained the lead in the bottom half of the frame when Willson Contreras unloaded with a two-run shot to center.

Hendricks would give way to Ryan Tepera in the 7th after pitching six solid innings, allowing three earned runs on seven hits and no walks with four strikeouts. A combination of Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel preserved the one-run advantage as the Cubs would win by a final of 4-3. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

A strong outing by Hendricks, plenty of power, and yet another lockdown performance from the bullpen resulted in tonight’s victory.

Key Moment

In the 5th, with Hendricks cruising, the Padres changed the narrative rather quickly by hitting a pair of round-trippers to grab the lead. Contreras answered in the Cubs’ half of the inning with a no-doubter which not only shifted the momentum back in the home team’s favor but turned out to provide the game-winning runs.

Stats That Matter

• Hendricks’ last four starts: eight earned runs, one walk, 21 strikeouts in 27.2 innings for a 2.60 ERA and a 1.012 WHIP.
• Wisdom went 2-for-4 with two RBI. Since being called up, he’s slashing .474/.500/1.658 with four home runs and five driven in.
• The Cubs have scored 11 runs in the series, all of which have come via the longball.

Bottom Line

Hendricks has pitched exceptionally well as of late, but he’s allowed an MLB-leading 16 home runs. Moving forward, he will have to do a better job at keeping the ball in the yard if he wants to continue his success on the mound.

On Deck

Adbert Alzolay (3-4, 3.81 ERA) squares off against Dinelson Lamet (1-0, 2.57 ERA) in the series finale as the Cubs go for the sweep. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 pm CT on Marquee, 670 The Score, and WRTO for Spanish speakers.