Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/20/22): Pirates 12, Cubs 1 – Cubs Pounded in Pittsburgh

Monday was another rough night for the Cubs with another blowout loss, this time in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. It was a struggle for top pitching prospect Caleb Kilian who had no control in a short performance.

Kilian actually started out well with a perfect bottom of the 1st inning before two walks and an error loaded the bases in the 2nd. Rookie Bligh Madris singled home two runs to give the Pirates an early lead.

The young Cubs starter walked three more batters in the 3rd and highly touted prospect Oneil Cruz cleared the bases with a double. A 7-0 bulge was more than enough and Chicago went down meekly the rest of the night.

Pittsburgh put up a season-high 12 runs in taking home the victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

It’s been a very similar story of late, the starting pitcher gives up a big crooked number and the offense is unable to respond. The result is a lot of ugly Cubs losses.

Key Moment

The 2nd inning was where Kilian came apart and it was clear he didn’t have his good stuff yet again.

Stats That Matter

• Control has never been an issue for Kilian in the minors, so hopefully this is first year jitters: 2.1 IP, 7 R, 5 ER, 3 H, 3 K, and 5 BB.
• Ian Happ had a pair of hits, a walk, and drove in the Cubs only run on Monday.
• Rafael Ortega had a pair of knocks as well.

Bottom Line

Just another forgettable game in a season full of them. Despite his big struggles it is probably best for Kilian to stay up and get his starts in the majors. Might as well get him some experience against the best in the world if the games don’t really matter anyway.

On Deck

The Cubs hope to produce a better effort in game two of the series Tuesday at 6:05pm CT. Matt Swarmer and Roansy Contreras are the pitchers in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.