Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/17/22): Cubs 3, Mets 2 – Cubs Break Nine Game Losing Streak

The Cubs were attempting to avoid another sweep and another double-digit losing streak against the Mets Sunday afternoon. It was not looking good, but a late rally was enough to give Chicago a win to get off the schneid.

New York scored in the opening inning thanks to a double steal from Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte. Lindor trapped in a rundown between second and first somehow avoided a tag from Nico Hoerner to reach second safely while Marte stole home.

Frank Schwindel appeared to hit a double play grounder to third in the 4th inning that Eduardo Escobar booted for an error. Patrick Wisdom was then able to work a bases-loaded walk to tie the game but the Cubs did not add on.

Pete Alonso floated a go-ahead single behind a discombobulated Schwindel at first to give the Mets the lead back in the 5th. Nelson Velazquez cut down Lindor at the plate trying to score on an Escobar single in the 8th inning.

Christopher Morel beat out an infield hit to open the bottom of the frame and moved to third on a Willson Contreras single. Morel scampered home when Ian Happ grounded out and Hoerner put the Cubs up with a knock to center.

David Robertson came on in the 9th and coaxed a double play from J.D. Davis to save the game for Chicago. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

Another good pitching effort on Sunday and the Cubs were finally able to get a hit with runners in scoring position.

Eye on the Future

• Hoerner had three more hits on Sunday and is absolutely red-hot heading into the break.
• Morel did an excellent job running the bases in the 8th inning and made an outstanding sliding catch earlier.

Stats That Matter

• Adrian Sampson had another good start on Sunday against a tough Mets lineup: 5.1 IP, 2 R, 6 H, 1 K, and 3 BB.
• Hoerner is hot: 3-for-4, 1 RBI

Bottom Line

The Cubs finally won a game on Sunday. All joking aside, it is nice to not have to stew over a 10-game losing streak for the entire All-Star break. Hoerner and Morel are giving people more and more reasons for optimism going forward.

On Deck

The Cubs are off until Friday. They start the second half in Philadelphia at 6:05pm CT. Justin Steele takes on Kyle Gibson in a game exclusively on Apple TV+.