Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/13/22): Orioles 7, Cubs 1 – Lifeless Cubs Drop 6th Straight

The Cubs came into Wednesday’s finale against the Orioles trying to stop a five-game losing streak. Instead, Baltimore got a jump on new dad Justin Steele for an easy win and mini-sweep at Wrigley. If you’re looking for a way to soften the blow, the O’s have now won 10 straight, eight of which came against the not-Cubs.

A pair of singles put runners on first and third for the Orioles in the top of the 1st. Anthony Santander ripped a two-run double to left-center and would then score on a single by Austin Hays for a 3-0 lead.

Trey Mancini hit his own double in the 2nd inning that appeared to score two runs, but replay review found that the second runner was out at home. Steele settled down after that and did not surrender any additional runs the rest of his start.

Baltimore starter Spenser Watkins’ only blemish was a 5th inning triple from Christopher Morel, who came home on a Rafael Ortega sacrifice fly. The O’s blew the game open with three runs in the 8th against Chris Martin and Daniel Norris. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

They fell into an early hole and with the current state of their offense, they were never going to make their way out of it.

Eye on the Future

• Steele allowed just one hit after the first two innings for a pretty good effort after a hectic week: 6 IP, 4 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 1 BB.
• Morel drew a walk in addition to his triple Wednesday.

Stats That Matter

• Ian Happ had two more hits and a walk as his breakout season continues.
• Willson Contreras was in at catcher for the first time since last week.

Bottom Line

The Cubs are starting to go into a tailspin again. It doesn’t make for a very fun viewing unless you’re able to set outcomes aside and project the future for young players like Steele and Morel who are really earning their time.

On Deck

Chicago welcomes the New York Mets to Wrigley Field for the final four games before the All-Star break. The series starts Thursday at 7:05pm CT with Keegan Thompson facing Carlos Carrasco in a broadcast available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.