Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/12/23): Mariners 5, Cubs 2 – Bats Go Quiet in Loss

The Cubs were hoping to sweep the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday afternoon after a dramatic seven-run comeback victory on Tuesday night. Unfortunately, Chicago fell behind this time and the offense was unable to respond as Seattle took the final game.

The Cubs picked up where they left off Tuesday in the bottom of the 1st inning when Nico Hoerner and Nick Madrigal hit back-to-back singles off of Logan Gilbert to put runners on the corners with nobody out. Cody Bellinger hit a sacrifice fly, but that was the only damage the home team could do in the frame.

Marcus Stroman had another good start, but he ran into trouble in the top of the 3rd. A double and a walk put two on base for Eugenio Suárez, who singled home the tying run. Teoscar Hernández followed with a go-ahead RBI knock to give the Mariners a 2-1 lead.

Cubs hitters were completely shut down after the opening inning, collecting only three hits. Meanwhile, Ty France hit an RBI single in the 7th, then Hernández and the red-hot Jarred Kelenic hit consecutive bombs off of Julian Merryweather in the 8th.

Bellinger added his own solo shot in the bottom of the 9th but it was just window dressing in a 5-2 M’s win. (Box score)

Key Moment

Miles Mastrobuoni faced reliever Matt Brash with two on and two out in the 7th with the Cubs trailing 3-1. Mastrobuoni appeared to draw a walk but a very poor strike call went against him and he grounded out to first to end the threat.

Why the Cubs Lost

Dansby Swanson resting after cramping issues on Tuesday definitely hurt the lineup, but Gilbert absolutely locked up Cubs hitters all day long.

Stats That Matter

• Even though Stroman was not quite as sharp as his first two starts, he definitely pitched well enough to win if he had gotten some offensive support: 6 IP, 2 R, 5 H, 6 K, and 2 BB.
• Bellinger had a single in addition to his homer and sacrifice fly.

Bottom Line

Chicago going 4-2 on a homestand against two teams with significant playoff hopes this season is definitely a promising sign. The imminent return of Seiya Suzuki should boost a lineup that is going to be inconsistent all season, plus Swanson should be back for the weekend series in LA.

On Deck

The Cubs head west for a six-game California trip starting Friday night at 9:10pm CT against the Dodgers. Justin Steele battles Noah Syndergaard with a broadcast available on Marquee and 670 The Score.