Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/5/22): Cubs 3, Cardinals 5 – Another Close, Extra Innings Loss

The Cubs came into tonight hoping to take the series with a win. They struck early once again, plating a run in the 1st inning when Ian Happ scored on a Frank Schwindel sacrifice fly. The Cubs have scored in the first or second inning of four of the five games in this series. They’d add a run in the bottom of the 4th inning when Jason Heyward singled to score Nice Hoerner, who doubled earlier in the inning.

Justin Steele pitched very well tonight. And once again poor defense caused him to give up runs. A throwing error by Patrick Wisdom allowed runners to advance to second and third. A single by Nolan Arenado drove in both runners, tying the game at two runs apiece.

Back-to-back doubles by Wisdom and P.J. Higgins in the bottom of the 8th put the Cubs ahead by a run heading into the top of the 9th. The Cardinals would answer, scoring a run off Rowan Wick after a Harrison Bader leadoff triple.

The game stayed tied until the Cardinals scored two runs in the top of the 11th. Once again, the Cubs lose a close game where they made mistakes on defense and just could not overcome them. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Justin Steele pitched well, allowing just two runs on seven hits through seven innings. But the bullpen couldn’t hold a close game together, with both Wick and Daniel Norris giving up runs late.

Key Moment

With a courtesy runner on second base, Juan Yepez hit a single to drive in the winning run.

Stats That Matter

• Steele was solid: 7.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 1 K
• The Cubs had three doubles tonight (Happ, Hoerner, Wisdom, Higgins)
• The bullpen could not hold the Cardinals down: 4.0 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 1 BB, 5 K

Bottom Line

The Cubs had plenty of change tonight, and in this series, but couldn’t break through.

On Deck

The Cubs have an off day on Monday – we’ll be recording a new episode of The Rant Live Podcast, so be sure to check that out. On Tuesday, the Cubs travel to Baltimore to take on the Orioles at 6:05pm CT. Keegan Thompson (6-0, 1.99 ERA) takes on Kyle Bradish (1-3, 6.82 ERA). The game will be broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.