Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/21/22): Cubs 4, Marlins 3 – Cubs Win After Miami Meltdown

Offensive woes have been the story of the season for the Cubs, especially as injuries mount in the second half. It looked like it would be another frustrating loss for Chicago before the Miami Marlins completely unraveled and the road team came out on top.

Marcus Stroman was on his game early getting a ton of outs on the ground. Miami starter Jesus Lúzardo was just as good and neither team could generate any runs.

The Marlins got to Stroman in the bottom of the 5th inning with a pair of home runs. First, Nick Fortes hit a two-run laser to right field and then Lewin Diaz launched a solo shot to almost the identical spot. Patrick Wisdom cut the lead to 3-1 with his own solo smash in the top of the 7th.

Miami completely imploded in the top of the 8th inning, allowing three runs without giving up a hit. Steven Okert walked the first two batters and then threw away an Esteban Quiroz bunt to score a run. A David Bote fielder’s choice ground out and an Ian Happ sacrifice fly put the Cubs ahead 4-3.

Keegan Thompson, back from the injured list, pitched the final three innings to take home the victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

There’s not really any other way to say it, the Marlins basically handed the game to the Cubs. That said, Chicago took the gift and was able to pitch well enough to hang on for the win.

Eye on the Future

• It was very nice to see Thompson back and not missing a beat with six punch outs in his three innings of work.
• Zach McKinstry had a single and worked the walk that kicked off the big 8th inning.

Taking Note

• Other than a rough four-batters stretch in the 5th inning, Stroman had a very good game Wednesday: 6 IP, 3 R, 5 H, 7 K, and 1 BB.
• Wisdom also made a couple of nice catches in an unfamiliar spot playing right field.

Bottom Line

Stroman and Thompson both looked very good so that is encouraging for the Cubs going forward. Otherwise, it was a sloppy game between two bad teams but this time Chicago was the lucky one.

On Deck

The Cubs make one more trip to Pittsburgh for four games against the Pirates starting Thursday at 5:35pm CT. Hayden Wesneski takes on Mitch Keller in a game available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.