Chicago Cubs Score

Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/7/24): Cubs 8, Dodgers 1 – Cubs Outlast Rain for Impressive Series Win

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandApril 8, 2024

The Cubs played the rubber match of their series against the Dodgers at a rainy Wrigley Field on Sunday afternoon. Chicago’s offense got off to a terrific start and was able to outlast a lengthy rain delay to take the game and the series against a star-studded Los Angeles squad.

The Cubs loaded the bases in the opening inning for the second consecutive game but things turned out significantly better for them on Sunday. First baseman Michael Busch hit a bases-clearing opposite-field double to right off of Dodger starter Gavin Stone to put the home team ahead 3-0.

A sacrifice fly from Seiya Suzuki in the 2nd inning and an RBI double from Mike Tauchman in the 3rd increased Chicago’s lead to 5-0. Shōta Imanaga was very sharp again in his second career MLB start, throwing four shutout frames.

The umpiring crew tried to keep the game going despite a pretty steady rain before finally calling for the tarp in the bottom of the 4th. The game resumed after an almost three-hour delay and the Cubs tacked on two more in the frame for a very comfortable 7-0 advantage.

Cody Bellinger hit a line drive rocket home run down the right field line in the 6th inning to make it 8-0. Newly called up Daniel Palencia pitched the final three frames to earn a save, allowing only an RBI double to Shohei Ohtani, as Chicago took an 8-1 win and a very impressive series victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

After failing to come through in an almost identical spot Saturday, the Cubs were able to deliver with the bases loaded in the 1st inning Sunday. They then built on that early lead and never looked back.

Why the Cubs Won

The offense continues to fire on all cylinders despite some very miserable playing conditions. The pitching and defense were very good all day as well, really a complete team effort.

Stats That Matter

  • Imanaga has been every bit as good as advertised and would have gone deep into the game Sunday if not for the rain: 4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 K, and 0 BB.
  • Tauchman puts up consistently good plate appearances and sees a ton of pitches in every at-bat.

Bottom Line

Winning two out of three against this Dodgers team is very impressive. The Cubs lineup is very dangerous and it’s going to keep them in a lot of games. The pitching is the area Chicago may have issues with, so it’s huge if Imanaga can become a quality piece of the rotation. It doesn’t get any easier for Craig Counsell‘s squad as they head out for a nine-game West Coast road trip starting Monday.

On Deck

The Cubs kick off their trip Monday night against the Padres in San Diego at 8:40pm CT. Javier Assad is on the mound against old friend Yu Darvish in a game airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandApril 8, 2024
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