Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/2/21): Cubs 6, Padres 1 – Cubs Sweep Padres, Alzolay Solid in Win
The Cubs aimed to sweep one of the best teams in baseball at a sun-splashed Wrigley Wednesday afternoon. Chicago’s pitching shut the Padres down again and some sloppy defense led to an easy win for the home side.
San Diego struck first, Ha-Seong Kim had a run-scoring single off Adbert Alzolay in the 4th. The bottom of the inning was wild, an Eric Hosmer error allowed the Cubs to tie it. Then the Padres’ Kim and Tommy Pham viciously collided on a P.J. Higgins pop-up with bases loaded and one out. The ball wasn’t caught, but the runners thought it was and were forced out by a quick recovery by Kim for a double play.
Anthony Rizzo lashed a go-ahead two-run double in the 5th. A 7th inning Padres miscue kicked off a three-run rally that ended with a Javy Báez two-run bomb.
A 6-1 lead was more than enough for Alzolay and the excellent Cubs bullpen. Rex Brothers, Brad Wieck, Tommy Nance, and Dan Winkler all contributed in the Cubs victory. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
The pitching continues to be outstanding and it sure does help to have Rizzo back in the lineup.
Key Moment
Rizzo’s double came against sidearming lefty Tim Hill. He took the pitch the opposite way to left in an impressive piece of hitting to give the Cubs a lead they would not surrender.
Stats That Matter
- Alzolay was good again Wednesday: 5 IP, 1 R, 3 H, 7 K, and 1 BB.
- Rizzo had three hits and looks locked in.
- Congratulations to Higgins who had his first career-hit.
Bottom Line
The Cubs are a season-high nine games over .500. They have put themselves in a very good place entering a very difficult month of June.
On Deck
The Cubs head to the west coast for four-games against the Giants starting Thursday at 8:45pm CT. Zach Davies faces off with Anthony DeSclafani in a game aired on Marquee and 670 The Score. If you don’t have access to Marquee through your current provider, check out a free preview of fuboTV.
