Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/4/22, Game 1): Cardinals 4, Cubs 3 – Cubs Slip in 7th
The Cubs played the first game of a doubleheader in St. Louis Thursday afternoon. They were able to build a lead before the Cardinals stormed back to win late.
Chicago went ahead in the top of 1st when Willson Contreras blasted an opposite-field solo homer off of Miles Mikolas. Marcus Stroman was sharp early Thursday, allowing just a pair of singles through six innings.
The Cubs built their lead to 3-0 with two more runs in the 6th inning. Contreras doubled and scored on a single from Seiya Suzuki who subsequently came in on a Patrick Wisdom sacrifice fly.
The wheels came off for Stroman in the 7th as Nolan Gorman and Paul Goldschmidt hit back-to-back homers. Nolan Arenado then doubled and scored the tying run on a sac fly.
Erich Uelmen came on in the 9th and gave up a walk-off single to Lars Nootbar to end the game. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
The Cubs had a lead but it wasn’t enough to hold off the Cardinals’ explosive offense.
Eye on the Future
- Nico Hoerner had two hits on Thursday after a bit of a slump.
- Brandon Hughes was good in an inning plus of work.
Stats That Matter
- Stroman was very good up to his final inning: 6.2 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 6 K, and 0 BB.
- Rafael Ortega had a three-hit game including a double.
Bottom Line
The Cubs are going to struggle to close out games now that the veterans in the bullpen have been traded away. Thursday was more about Marcus Stroman getting tired, but late game woes will continue to be an issue.
On Deck
Game two of the doubleheader is Thursday at 6:45pm CT. Sean Newcomb battles fellow lefty Jose Quintana in a broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.
