Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/15/23): Dodgers 2, Cubs 1 – Offense No-Shows in Walk-Off Loss

The Cubs were hoping to win their series against the Dodgers at Chavez Ravine Saturday night and they were an out away from doing just that. Chicago got an excellent starting pitching performance yet again, but a lack of offense came back to haunt them in a walk-off loss.

Jameson Taillon and Michael Grove both pitched well and the game remained scoreless through four innings. Center fielder Cody Bellinger was able to protect the tie when he robbed former Cub Jason Heyward of a home run in the bottom of the 2nd.

UnBellievable!@Cody_Bellinger pic.twitter.com/yOSYLpNEdY

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 16, 2023

Chicago took the lead in the 5th when Patrick Wisdom blasted a solo home run to center, his team-leading fifth of the season. Relievers Mark Leiter Jr. and Keegan Thompson protected the one-run advantage up to the 9th inning, striking out five batters in their three combined innings of work.

Unfortunately, the Cubs’ inability to add any insurance tallies with the bases loaded and one out in the 8th would prove costly. Closer Michael Fulmer allowed a single and a double to put the winning run on third for pinch-hitter David Peralta. The former Diamondback did what he always seems to do against Chicago and won the game with a single to right field. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs loaded the bases with one out in the top of the 8th inning, but Dodgers lefty Caleb Ferguson struck out Ian Happ and Seiya Suzuki to strand the runners and keep the game 1-0.

Why the Cubs Lost

They put tremendous pressure on the pitching staff by only scoring a single run. The bullpen finally wilted in the 9th and LA pulled out the win.

Stats That Matter

• Taillon was much better Saturday than his first two starts he just got no run support: 5 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 7 K, and 2 BB.
• Suzuki had a single as he tries to round back into shape at the plate.
• Leiter struck out the side in the 6th, with all three Ks coming against left-handed batters.

Bottom Line

Saturday was a very frustrating loss for the Cubs because they had a chance to put the Dodgers away late and were unable to come through. That is something you can’t get away with against good teams like LA. The positive news is Chicago continues to pitch well early.

On Deck

The rubber game takes place Sunday at 3:10pm CT. It’s a matchup of southpaws between Drew Smyly and Julio Urías with coverage on MLB Network (out of market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.