Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/16/21): Cubs 5, D-Backs 1 – Hendricks, Cubs Beat Snakes Behind Homers By Rizzo, Wisdom, & Heyward

The Cubs looked to open the second half of the season on a high note Friday night as they traveled to Arizona to take on the Diamondbacks. A strong pitching performance from Kyle Hendricks and some timely power hitting earned Chicago the win.

Javy Báez created the first run of the game in the 2nd inning. Javy singled, stole second, and advanced to third on a throwing error by catcher Bryan Holaday. He scored on a Jake Marisnick sacrifice fly. Josh Rojas tied the game with an RBI double against Hendricks in the bottom of the 3rd inning, but that was the only damage Arizona would do.

Anthony Rizzo gave the Cubs a lead for good with a solo home run off of starter Madison Bumgarner in the top of the fourth inning. The Cubs finally would break things open in the 7th inning against reliever Matt Peacock with home runs from Patrick Wisdom (solo) and pinch-hitter Jason Heyward (two-run).

A 5-1 lead was more than enough for the Cubs’ three-headed monster of Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin, and Craig Kimbrel who closed out the game to claim the relatively easy victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Hendricks was good and the Cubs were finally able to build on an early lead to make the game a little easier to finish up. The Dbacks have a habit of making opponents look good too.

Key Moment

Arizona loaded the bases with one out in the bottom of the 4th inning. The professor was able to buckle down and got a shallow fly out and a strikeout to escape the jam and keep the Cubs ahead 2-1.

Stats That Matter

• Hendricks was able to navigate a tight strike zone and had another quality outing: 6 IP, 1 R, 6 H, 4 K, and 3 BB.
• Rizzo continues to heat up at the plate with a home run and a single. He also displayed nice glove work on a pair of double plays that started at first base.
• Báez had a pair of singles and displayed his usual crafty nature on the bases.

Bottom Line

That was a nice all-around win for the Cubs. Hendricks continues to show that he can be an ace, maybe not helping this year’s team, but certainly part of the future. Hopefully, that future is with the Cubs.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Saturday at 3:10 CT. Adbert Alzolay takes on a yet-to-be-named Diamondbacks pitcher in a game airing on Marquee and 670 The Score. You can check out a free trial of fuboTV to get Marquee without a cumbersome cable package.