Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (Game 1 – 5/7/22): Dodgers 7, Cubs 0 – Kershaw, Dodgers Blank Cubs

The Cubs welcomed the first-place Dodgers to Wrigley Field for the opening game of a doubleheader on Saturday afternoon. Chicago faced a tall task against the terrific Clayton Kershaw and came up short, losing yet another game.

Freddie Freeman gave the Dodgers an early lead with an RBI-double off of Cubs starter Drew Smyly in the top of the 1st. Light-hitting catcher Austin Barnes blasted a solo home run to center in the 4th inning.

Los Angeles continued to expand their lead against reliever Robert Gsellman adding five more runs. The Cubs got some hard contact against Kershaw but it mostly found gloves and the big lefty breezed through seven.

There was very little drama in the lopsided Dodgers victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

The Cubs failed to get anything going against Clayton Kershaw. Sloppy play on the bases led to easy outs that can’t happen against a pitcher like Kershaw.

Key Moment

Nico Hoerner beat out an infield hit in the 2nd inning. Thinking the throw rolled into the dugout he started jogging for second but it had not and he was easily tagged out to end the frame.

Stats That Matter

• Smyly wasn’t bad, but it was another short outing: 4.1 IP, 3 R, 2 ER, 6 H, 4 K, and 2 BB.
• Seiya Suzuki reached base twice, which was nice to see after his slowdown.
• Hoerner was the only Cub with two hits on Saturday.

Bottom Line

This was the first time in 70 games the Cubs were shut out. The Dodgers are just much better than Chicago.

On Deck

The second game of the doubleheader is tonight at 6:40pm CT. Tyler Anderson takes on Daniel Norris in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.