Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/25/21): Rockies 13, Cubs 10 – Happ Homer Sends Nightcap to Extras, Rox Prevail in 10th

After winning the first game of the doubleheader and playing even for nine innings in the nightcap, the good times came to an end with the Rockies beating the Cubs thanks to a Ryan McMahon blast to win 13-9 at Wrigley Field.

What should have been a 7-inning affair looked like it might stay that way as both Justin Steele and Germán Márquez were chased early. Ultimately, the game was won in extras as the Rockies outlasted the Cubs in a long but fun day at the Friendly Confines.

The Rockies struck first against Steele with a Brendan Rodgers home run in the top of the 1st that staked them to an early 2-0 lead. The Cubs came roaring back against Márquez in a productive bottom of the 2nd that saw six hits from the Cubs, including RBI singles from Robinson Chirinos, Sergio Alcántara, Rafael Ortega, and Frank Schwindel. There was also a magical Javy Báez-esque slide from Ian Happ that plated the Cubs another run in the inning.

The Rockies then got to Steele again in the 4th and, just when it looked like he was going to get out of it unscathed, David Ross brought on Trevor Megill, who promptly served up a grand slam to Connor Joe. After piling on a couple more in the top of the 6th, the Cubs faced an 8-5 deficit in the bottom of the decisive last of the 7th. Happ responded by popping one out to the centerfield basket with two men on to tie the game up and send it to extras.

The Rockies quickly responded with the free Manfred runner on second to go up 9-8, but the Cubs took advantage as well as they used a Trevor Story throwing error to score the equalizer in the bottom of the 8th. After both clubs threw up zeroes in the 9th, McMahon’s blast proved to be the winner in the 10th with a Rodgers double plating two insurance runs. The Cubs got one back as Patrick Wisdom scored on a ground out, but that was all she wrote. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

It was a roller coaster of a nightcap for the Cubs, who clawed back several times before simply losing a battle of attrition.

Key Moment

Joe’s grand slam and Happ’s game-tying bomb in the bottom of the 7th seemed like game-changers, but McMahon’s topped both.

Stats That Matter

• 17 pitchers were used in a game that was supposed to be seven but ended up going 10.
• The Cubs had six hits that led to five runs in a productive and fun bottom of the 2nd.
• Every starting Cub position player with the exception of Patrick Wisdom (who walked) had a hit.
• Jason Heyward was 2-for-5 and raised his average just above the Mendoza line to .201.
• Happ is 12-for-26 since August 16th with three home runs, four doubles, and only three strikeouts. That being said, let him eat in extras rather than bunt!

Bottom Line

Despite the loss, the Cubs won the series against the equally woeful Rockies and made the games pretty exciting so far this week. While it’s hard to actively root for losses, the 2022 draft pick slot is still looming large in many fans’ minds. On a happy note, it’s nice to see Happ putting things together as he still might be an essential part of things in 2022.

On Deck

After an off day on Thursday, the Cubs will head south to take on the White Sox for a weekend series where we’ll be sure to hear about the Eloy Jiménez and Dylan Cease for José Quintana trade more than once. Keegan Thompson will start on Friday night and will face Dallas Keuchel. Game time is 7:10pm CT and can be seen on Marquee, MLB Network, or NBC Sports Chicago. You can also listen to the radio calls on either 670 The Score or ESPN 1000.