Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/26/22): Braves 3, Cubs 1 – Offense Sputters in Loss

Fresh off of a pair of series losses back home, the Cubs hoped to get their road trip off to a good start with a win Tuesday night in Atlanta. Instead, it was more frustration with the bats leading to another tough loss.

The Braves struck first against Cubs starter Marcus Stroman with a sacrifice fly from Adam Duvall in the 2nd inning. Ian Happ was able to even things the following inning with a solo home run against Max Fried, giving the switch-hitter one from each side of the plate in the last two games.

Atlanta jumped ahead in the 5th inning on a Travis Demeritte homer and a misplayed single by centerfielder Michael Hermosillo that allowed another run to score. That 3-1 advantage was more than enough for Fried and the Braves bullpen as the Cubs went down quietly from there. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

They had just one hit after the 3rd inning, not exactly a good way to win a lot of games.

Key Moment

Willson Contreras led off the 2nd inning with a double to right field, but the next three hitters were unable to drive him home and the Cubs came up empty.

Stats That Matter

• Stroman deserved a better fate, but it was good to see a quality outing: 6 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 K, and 0 BB.
• Happ showed some right-handed power, which was rare in 2021.

Bottom Line

The Cubs didn’t put up much of a fight and got their only tally from a homer, which isn’t the way the offense is built to succeed. They are a bad team right now, there’s really no other way to say it.

On Deck

Chicago will look to perform better in game two of the series Wednesday night at 6:20pm CT as Mark Leiter Jr. takes on Charlie Morton in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.