Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/18/21): D-Backs 6, Cubs 4 – Walks Doom Cubs in Desert

The Cubs were hoping to complete the sweep in Arizona against the Diamondbacks on Sunday afternoon with Zach Davies on the mound. Unfortunately, the entire pitching staff had massive control issues and the D-backs were able to salvage the final game.

The home team jumped to a lead in the 4th inning on a single by Pavin Smith. Kole Calhoun tacked on another run with a single the following frame but Arizona stranded the bases loaded in three consecutive innings.

The Cubs took advantage of the Snakes’ inability to add to the lead in the 6th with a rally against starter Merrill Kelly. Robinson Chirinos doubled and scored on a Kris Bryant double. Javy Báez then singled to score KB and tie the game at 2-2.

Chicago pitchers loaded the bases again in the 7th and were not so lucky as Arizona used a groundout and a wild pitch to build a 4-2 lead. Eduardo Escobar doubled the lead with a two-run home run off of Rex Brothers in the bottom of the 8th inning.

Those runs would turn out to be important when the Cubs scored two of their own in the final inning. Báez and Rafael Ortega each knocked in a run, but Joakim Soria was able to close out the victory for Arizona. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

The pitching staff walked a whopping 11 batters on Sunday and had a hit by pitch for good measure. Allowing that many free baserunners is not a recipe for a lot of victories and the Cubs paid for it in this one.

Key Moment

Dan Winkler loaded the bases with two walks and a hit by pitch in the 7th inning. Two of those runners would score and give Arizona their winning margin.

Stats That Matter

• Davies had a another short start due to command issues: 4.2 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 4 BB.
• Bryant had a pair of doubles and displayed his great baserunning ability, scoring twice on base hits.
• Báez had both of those knocks and continues to look very good at the plate of late.

Bottom Line

Not much to say about that one, really. Every Cubs game from now until the end of the month feels like a showcase for potential trades. Sunday was not a very good audition for several bullpen options.

On Deck

The Cubs head to St. Louis for a four-game series against the rival Cardinals starting Monday at 7:15pm CT. Alec Mills takes on Jake Woodford in a game airing on ESPN, Marquee, and 670 The Score.