Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/16/23): Cubs 3, Dodgers 2 – Belli Bomb Difference in Cubs Win
The Cubs aimed to bounce back from a tough loss on Saturday night and win the series against the Dodgers Sunday afternoon. It was another one-run game, but this time Chicago was able to survive the final inning and take the series.
Los Angeles struck first against Cubs starter Drew Smyly in the 3rd inning when Chris Taylor hit a solo home run off of the foul pole. The road team scratched across a run on an infield single from Luis Torrens in the 5th.
Luis Urías pitched well but ran out of steam in the top of the 6th and Chicago made him pay for it. Patrick Wisdom hit a home run for the third consecutive game to give his team a lead, just like last night. Cody Bellinger followed and crushed an absolute tank to right field to make it back-to-back shots.
Name rings bells 🔔@Cody_Bellinger pic.twitter.com/KftmdCrreY
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 16, 2023
Smyly was very good on Sunday, pitching into the 6th inning with just a single run allowed. Adbert Alzolay ran into trouble in the 7th and the Dodgers scored when Seiya Suzuki lost a fly ball in the sun that fell for a RBI single. Mark Leiter Jr. came on later in the frame and stranded the bases loaded to keep LA from tying the game.
Michael Fulmer got through the 8th inning and Brad Boxberger pitched around an infield hit to close out the victory in the 9th with the help of a couple friendly calls by the home plate umpire. (Box score)
Key Moment
Leiter struck out Freddie Freeman and Max Muncy with the tying run in scoring position in the 7th. It was by far the Dodgers’ best chance to even the game.
Why the Cubs Won
The offense squeezed out two more runs than Saturday and it was just enough for the bullpen to protect.
Stats That Matter
- Sunday was Smyly’s best performance so far this season: 5.2 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 3 K, and 2 BB.
- Dansby Swanson broke an ugly cold streak with three hits, including a bloop double.
- Bellinger also stole a base and scored the first run of the game for the Cubs.
- Leiter has been very tough on left-handers with his splitter.
Bottom Line
The Cubs were just one out away from sweeping LA at Dodger Stadium. They have won three consecutive series and the pitching has been outstanding. If they can get a little bit more from their bats they will definitely be in the race all season.
On Deck
Chicago heads to Oakland for a three-game series at the possum-infested Ring.com Coliseum starting Monday at 8:40pm CT. Hayden Wesneski is on the bump facing lefty Kyle Muller with coverage on Marquee and 670 The Score.