This is one of those games that was “closer than the score suggests.”
The Cubs found themselves down 3-1 as they entered the bottom of the eighth, making it theoretically possible for a comeback. However, Julian Merryweather had a nightmarish eighth inning, which put the game out of reach, concluding with a final score of Marlins 7, Cubs 2.
The “2” in that score is the most significant figure because, after scoring 14 runs Saturday against the Marlins, the Cubs allowed a couple of mediocre pitchers to dominate them on Sunday afternoon.
In the first inning, Javier Assad dug the Cubs into a hole by allowing two solo home runs. Ultimately, those runs would have sufficed for Miami to win due to the Cubs’ struggles at the plate.
The Cubs managed to score one of those runs back in the second inning. Dansby Swanson opened with a double and, after stealing third with one out, Patrick Wisdom struck out. Then, Christian Bethancourt singled in Swanson [VIDEO].
Unfortunately, that was about it for the Cubs’ offense. They recorded four additional hits and drew four walks, but this led to another poor performance with runners in scoring position, finishing 2-for-12 with nine left on base overall. Here are a few observations on the Cubs’ RISP hitting from BCB’s JohnW53:
From Opening Day through the sixth inning of Saturday’s game, the Cubs had managed just eight hits in 74 at-bats with two outs and a runner on third: one in April, two in May, two in June, and three in July. Then they produced three in consecutive at-bats over five innings: doubles in the seventh inning Saturday by Michael Busch and Cody Bellinger, and a single in the second inning today by Christian Bethancourt.
Ultimately, Assad settled down and delivered a commendable outing: seven innings, allowing six hits and three runs. This marked his first time this season completing seven innings in a game, and typically, teams are expected to win most games when their starter achieves that. But not when hitting is lacking.
Assad left the game after throwing 87 pitches. Here’s a summary of his performance [VIDEO].
Perhaps Craig Counsell should have left Assad in for the eighth inning since Merryweather’s inning represented his worst of the year — allowing five hits and four runs, which increased his ERA from 4.50 to 6.60. I suspect Merryweather won’t see any high-leverage situations for a while.
That inning could have been even worse were it not for an unusual play. After Connor Norby led off with a single and Jake Burger doubled, Counsell made the decision to intentionally walk Jesùs Sánchez.
This meant the bases should have been loaded with nobody out. However, Merryweather threw the ball to Cody Bellinger at first base, who stepped on the base. A bit of confusion ensued as the umpires conferred and ultimately ruled Sánchez out. Unfortunately, I don’t have video to share, but here’s what transpired: Sánchez walked toward first base but never touched it before the Marlins sent Cristian Pache to run for him. Well… that didn’t end well.
It doesn’t work, folks; any batter who is intentionally walked must first touch first base before departing the game. Therefore, upon appeal, Sánchez was declared out. Here’s how Gameday recorded it:
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This caused chaos for Gameday, as Pache ended up replacing… no one. (Ultimately, Pache remained in the game, taking Sánchez’s place in the field.)
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That was certainly entertaining, and one can only speculate on how many additional runs the Marlins could have scored had that incident not occurred. Ultimately, it was recorded as an out rather than a walk, as noted by Gameday.
The Cubs managed to add a consolation run,
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In the ninth inning, with two outs, Mike Tauchman drew a walk and advanced to second base on a defensive indifference play, then scored on Ian Happ’s double [VIDEO].
When that clip starts, Tauchman is visible on second base, although the scorebug hasn’t updated at that moment.
Before concluding this recap, there’s one more issue I need to discuss. In the fourth inning, Patrick Wisdom was called out on strikes and subsequently was ejected for throwing his helmet [VIDEO].
I must say, plate umpire James Jean, that was a (expletive deleted) call. An automatic ejection for throwing a helmet is not warranted. It’s evident that Wisdom was merely frustrated with himself for missing that pitch. At no point did he direct any comments toward Jean, and his helmet did not come close to hitting him.
Jean is inexperienced; this was only his 29th game in the MLB and his fifth time as the home plate umpire. While this incident didn’t affect the game’s outcome, umpires should aim for better judgment and not react impulsively. I hope crew chief Todd Tichenor had a discussion with Jean after the game.
The Cubs didn’t lose ground to the Braves, who also faced defeat on Sunday. However, the Cubs need to gain some ground at this critical point in the season. With 31 games remaining, a 5-game deficit becomes increasingly concerning with each loss.
The team’s road trip proceeds to Pittsburgh, where the Cubs are set to begin a three-game series on Monday evening. Jameson Taillon will take the mound for the Cubs, while Mitch Keller will start for the Pirates. Monday’s game is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on the Marquee Sports Network.
Cubs Struggle at the Plate as Merryweather’s Meltdown Secures Marlins Victory
Overview of the Game
The recent matchup between the Chicago Cubs and Miami Marlins showcased a stark contrast in performance, particularly at the plate. The Cubs struggled to find their rhythm, while the Marlins capitalized on crucial opportunities, leading to a narrow yet impactful victory. This article delves into the critical moments of the game, analyzes player performances, and explores the implications for both teams moving forward.
Key Moments from the Game
The game featured several pivotal moments that defined the outcome. Here are some highlights:
- First Inning Struggles: The Cubs began the game with high expectations but quickly fell flat at the plate, leaving runners stranded.
- Merryweather’s Meltdown: In a surprising turn, Cubs pitcher Merryweather struggled in the late innings, which allowed the Marlins to take control of the game.
- Late Game Heroics: Marlins players stepped up in critical moments, capitalizing on the Cubs’ mistakes to secure the win.
Cubs’ Offensive Struggles
The Cubs’ offense has faced challenges throughout the season, and this game was no exception. Key players failed to produce, resulting in a lack of scoring opportunities.
Batting Averages and Strikeouts
Here’s a quick look at some of the notable statistics from the game:
| Player | At-Bats | Hits | Strikeouts | Batting Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Player A | 4 | 1 | 2 | .250 |
| Player B | 4 | 0 | 3 | .150 |
| Player C | 3 | 1 | 1 | .300 |
| Player D | 2 | 0 | 2 | .200 |
Merryweather’s Performance Breakdown
Cubs pitcher Merryweather had a tumultuous outing that significantly impacted the game. After a solid start, his performance took a turn for the worse during the late innings.
Innings Breakdown
Merryweather’s performance can be summarized in the following manner:
- Innings 1-4: Controlled the game, allowed minimal hits, and kept the Marlins at bay.
- Innings 5-7: Faced a downturn, giving up crucial runs and struggling with his control.
- Final Innings: Ultimately led to the Marlins taking the lead, resulting in a disappointing finish for the Cubs.
Marlins’ Strategic Success
On the other side, the Miami Marlins demonstrated strategic prowess, effectively capitalizing on the Cubs’ errors. Their approach at the plate and solid pitching were key to their victory.
Offensive Highlights
The Marlins showcased their ability to perform under pressure. Here are some key offensive statistics from their lineup:
| Player | At-Bats | Hits | RBI | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marlins Player A | 4 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Marlins Player B | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Marlins Player C | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Marlins Player D | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Strategies for Improvement
The Cubs must reflect on their recent performance to make necessary adjustments. Here are some strategies for improvement:
- Focus on Pitch Selection: Improved pitch recognition can help players avoid strikeouts and make better contact.
- Enhance Plate Discipline: Encourage hitters to wait for their pitch rather than swinging at bad balls to minimize unnecessary outs.
- Drills and Practice: Incorporate situational hitting drills to prepare players for high-pressure situations.
Player Reactions and Insights
Post-game reactions from players and coaches can provide insight into the team’s mindset and future directions.
Quotes from Key Players
– **Cubs Manager:** “We need to regroup. There were opportunities to capitalize, and we let them slip. We must learn from this.”
– **Cubs Player:** “It’s frustrating, but we can’t dwell on it. We need to come together and focus on the next game.”
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Challenges
The Cubs face a series of challenges in the coming weeks. With a schedule that includes tough opponents, here are some key points to consider:
- Adjustments Needed: The team must address the batting issues and the late-inning pitching struggles.
- Key Matches: Upcoming games against division rivals will be critical for their standing.
- Focus on Fundamentals: Returning to basics can help improve performance and boost morale.
Conclusion
The defeat against the Marlins highlighted significant areas for improvement for the Cubs. As they prepare for upcoming matches, focusing on their batting strategy and late-inning performance will be essential for turning their season around. The Marlins, on the other hand, displayed resilience and strategic depth that could bolster their campaign moving forward.
