Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/20/21): Cubs 2, Marlins 0 – Cubs Avoid Sweep with Shutout
The Cubs got beaten up by the Marlins in the first two games of their weekend series, which almost made it feel like the good guys were on the road again. Chicago was finally able to stifle the Miami bats and salvage a win Sunday.
Alec Mills allowed some early singles, but kept the road team scoreless through five solid innings. Though the Cubs had to wait a while for a hit, a Miguel Rojas error set the stage for Jason Heyward to score the first run on a wild pitch in the 3rd inning.
Pinch-hitter Patrick Wisdom singled after a 15-pitch at-bat in the 5th, then Joc Pederson knocked him in with his own hit to make it 2-0.
The Cubs bullpen dream team of Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel closed out the shutout victory. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
A shutout is a good way to protect a slumping offense and the Cubs used that formula Sunday.
Key Moment
Heyward did an excellent job going first to third on the shortstop Rojas’s error in the 3rd.
Stats That Matter
- Mills gave the Cubs exactly what they needed: 5 IP, 0 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 0 BB.
- The bullpen struck out five and allowed no one to reach in four innings.
Bottom Line
The Cubs offense continues to scuffle, yet their outstanding relief corps keeps stealing wins. Story of the season so far.
On Deck
The Cubs welcome Cleveland for a mini two-game set starting Monday at 7:05pm CT. Adbert Alzolay is back to face Aaron Civale in a contest airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.
