Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/17/23): D-Backs 6, Cubs 2 – Snakebit Sweep Deals Playoff Chances Major Blow

The Cubs’ collapse continued on Sunday as the Diamondbacks beat them to complete a three-game sweep and send Chicago to their fifth consecutive defeat. It really feels like the playoffs are slipping away for David Ross‘s team.

Arizona jumped on Cubs starter Jordan Wicks in the opening inning, scoring three runs and effectively winning the game right then. A Mike Tauchman RBI single in the 2nd and a Cody Bellinger bases-loaded double play in the 3rd cut the deficit to 3-2.

That was as close as Chicago would get, however, and the D-Backs put the game on ice when Ketel Marte blasted a two-run homer off of José Cuas in the bottom of the 6th to make it 5-2 for the home team. The North Siders went down very quietly in the final three frames and laid down for a 6-2 defeat. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs had the bases loaded with nobody out in the 3rd inning when Bellinger hit into the double play on a roller to second. Dansby Swanson followed with a rope to left-center that Lourdes Gurriel Jr. caught with a spectacular running effort to keep his team in front.

Why the Cubs Lost

The offense once again failed to come up with a big hit and Arizona’s defense made outstanding efforts to turn almost any hard contact into outs.

Stats That Matter

• Wicks recovered nicely from the shaky opening frame but the damage was already done: 4.1 IP, 3 R, 4 H, 5 K, and 4 BB.
• Ian Happ had three hits out of the leadoff spot, including a double.
• Nico Hoerner also reached base twice Sunday.

Bottom Line

This road trip was a complete disaster for the Cubs, who are now tied for the final Wild Card spot with the Marlins. Even though they are still in the race it really feels like it’s over for Chicago. They have just completely run out of steam and appears as though the guys who got them there are burned out. They have no margin for error at this point and they just aren’t even playing close to well enough to meet the current moment. Something has to change drastically or you can forget about the playoffs.

On Deck

The Cubs begin an absolute must-win series against the Pirates at Wrigley Field Tuesday at 6:40pm CT. No starters have been announced for the game that is available on Marquee and 670 The Score.