Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/25/23): Mets 10, Cubs 1 – Professor’s First Class Falls Flat

The Cubs entered Thursday attempting to sweep the Mets with the help of Kyle Hendricks, who made his 2023 debut after a long shoulder rehab. Alas, it was not the night for Chicago as Hendricks fell victim to bad luck and the bats went quiet in a lopsided New York victory.

The Mets loaded the bases in the top of the 1st inning but only managed a Brett Baty sacrifice fly. Dansby Swanson evened the score with a solo homer in the bottom of the frame to give the Cubs all they would get against Carlos Carrasco.

Dansby Dingers!@LieutenantDans7 pic.twitter.com/ku1YWamomE

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 25, 2023

Hendricks allowed four consecutive singles with two outs in the 3rd inning. Baty knocked in one run and a Seiya Suzuki overthrow let him advance to second where he would come home on a two-RBI hit by Starling Marte.

Michael Rucker had to wear one Thursday, giving up five runs over four frames, including a two-run home run to Pete Alonso. Catcher Tucker Barnhart got to pitch the final inning of the 10-1 rout. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs loaded the bases with two down in the 3rd and Mike Tauchman at the plate. Unfortunately, Tauchman hit a rollover grounder to second and they never really threatened again.

Why the Cubs Lost

The hitters had more issues with a previously struggling opposing starter and they got in a hole early and just couldn’t climb out.

Stats That Matter

• Hendricks was definitely rusty, though there were flashes of his prior form: 4.1 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 H, 5 K, and 2 BB.
• Suzuki reached base three times Thursday including a pair of infield hits.
• Christopher Morel went hitless for the first time in 2023.

Bottom Line

It’s good to have The Professor back in the fold, and the hope is that he will at least be able to be a solid back-of-the-rotation option. The Mets have a quality lineup despite their early struggles and Hendricks, who did not get hit very hard, saw some weakly hit balls find holes. Even though Thursday did not go well, beating New York in a series is a good sign for the Cubs.

On Deck

The Cincinnati Reds come to Chicago for three games starting Friday at 1:20pm CT. Justin Steele gets the nod against hard-throwing Hunter Greene in a contest airing on MLB Network (out of market only), Marquee, and 670 The Score.