Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/27/19) – Astros 6, Cubs 5: Astros Stave Off Late Rally to Win Battle Of Coles

An undermanned Cubs lineup took on the mighty Astros at Minute Maid Park this Memorial Day. After a promising start by the visitors, Houston jumped ahead with a big inning and they fended off a late rally for the win.

Kyle Schwarber walked to open the game and Anthony Rizzo drove him home with a long home run off of Gerrit Cole to make it 2-0. In the bottom of the 2nd, a Robinson Chirinos walk and Jack Mayfield double, his first career hit, led to a sacrifice fly by Tyler White to cut the lead in half.

Things really fell apart for starter Cole Hamels in the 3rd, when Alex Bregman singled and Michael Brantley walked to put the first two hitters on. Yuli Gurriel singled to tie the score and Chirinos doubled to put the home team ahead 3-2. A pair of grounders and a single by Derek Fisher chased home three more runs to make it 6-2 after three.

The Cubs bullpen took over after the 4th and held the Astros scoreless for the rest of the day. Mike Montgomery warmed up but had to come out of the game with left middle finger discomfort, but Kyle Ryan pitched well in his stead. Dillon Maples looked particularly sharp in his appearance, striking out three with no walks.

Chicago rallied in the 7th inning against former teammate Héctor Rondón. Albert Almora Jr. reached via error and Addison Russell singled, then David Bote hit a ball Gurriel failed to handle third, which allowed Almora to score. Will Harris took over for Rondón and was greeted by a lined smash from Schwarber that was stabbed by White at first for the third out.

The Cubs made it interesting in the 9th against closer Roberto Osuna, when Almora and Russell hit long solo homers to cut the lead to 6-5. Bote singled to put the tying run on base with one out. That was it though, as Schwarber and Javy Báez struck out to end the game. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

One big inning did the Cubs in on Monday. They gave up just one run the rest of the game, but the 3rd inning was enough to carry the Astros home.

Key Moment

Schwarber’s liner had an exit velocity of 106.3 mph and an expected batting average of .700. If it gets by White at first, it probably scores two. Instead, it was an out and the Cubs lost by one.

Stats That Matter

• Hamels’ recent control problems persisted Monday with four more walks in four innings. He has to dial his command back in to be an effective pitcher.
• Báez is slumping at the moment and striking out five times in this one certainly didn’t help anything. His slumps have usually been brief, hopefully that continues.
• Russell and Almora were the main offense late in the game. Almora in particular is continuing to display his increased power.

Bottom Line

The Astros are a good team and have been excellent at home in 2019. Still, the Cubs had their chances to win late. Kris Bryant being out didn’t help, would be nice if he was back Tuesday.

On Deck

Game two of the series pits Jon Lester against rookie Corbin Martin. The 7:10pm CT start airs on ABC-7 and 670 The Score has radio coverage.