Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/2/22): Cardinals 6, Cubs 0 – Cubs Shutout in St. Lou

A surprisingly intact Cubs roster began a three-game series in St. Louis after the trade deadline Tuesday. The Cardinals jumped all over a uncharacteristically shaky Keegan Thompson and coasted to victory.

Thompson struggled with command from the start and the home team finally got to him in the 3rd inning. A single and a double set the stage for a two-run single from MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt.

Dylan Carlson hit a two-run homer in the 5th inning it was followed two batters later by Goldschmidt who hit a solo shot. The ageless Adam Wainwright continued to do what he always does and completely shut down the Cubs through seven.

Nolan Arenado added a late solo home run of his own and St. Louis took home a 6-0 win. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

More offensive woes combined with a bad starting pitching effort immediately doomed Chicago Tuesday.

Eye on the Future

• Keegan could not locate his pitches all night and paid for it: 4.2 IP, 5 R, 10 H, 2 K, and 1 BB. This is by far the most innings Thompson has thrown in his professional career so fatigue may be a factor.

Stats That Matter

• Willson Contreras, still a Cub, had a triple and two hit by pitches on Tuesday, glad he is still here.
• Yan Gomes had a pair of hits against Wainwright.

Bottom Line

Well I have to say I am very surprised that Contreras and Ian Happ played for the Cubs Tuesday. As a fan, it is nice that they are still on the team, however, this is still a bad team even with these two good players. This may be a naïve hope but I would like Chicago to try and build around these assets and make legitimate effort at contention in 2023.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Wednesday night at 6:45pm CT. Justin Steele battles Miles Mikolas in a contest available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.