Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/7/21): White Sox 4, Cubs 0 – Quiet Afternoon as Offense Stifled

This one was effectively over five batters into the game as Yoán Moncada doubled home two runs and the Cubs failed to score. Adbert Alzolay was better than indicated by yet another loss, his ninth straight negative decision and MLB-leading 12th on the season, but even perfection wouldn’t have been enough in this one.

Carlos Rodón struck out 11 Cubs with just two walks and his teammates in the bullpen racked up six more Ks and walked none. The Cubs managed just five hits, two of which came from David Bote, and really never put together a meaningful threat. The closest they came was when Rodón walked Rafael Ortega to open the bottom of the 6th before giving way to Michael Kopech, then Bote hit a one-out single to put men at the corners.

Kopech got a weak pop-out from Patrick Wisdom and a grounder from Frank Schwindel to close the frame. The Cubs got only two more baserunners the rest of the game and the Sox tacked on a pair of insurance runs with back-to-back solo shots in the 8th. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

They failed to score a single run, which typically precludes you from winning.

Key Moment 

Cesar Hernadez and Eloy Jimenez got infield singles to set the stage for Moncada, who laced a middle-in fastball to the wall in center.

Stats That Matter

• Alzolay went 6.2 innings, striking out 7 with no walks
• Cubs pitchers issued no walks with 9 strikeouts
• Ian Happ was 1-for-4 with three strikeouts to raise his average to .180

Bottom Line

This Cubs team just isn’t good and the only thing worthwhile about these games is that they can audition players for next year and beyond.

On Deck

These two teams will wrap up the series Sunday night at 6:09pm CT on ABC and 670 The Score. Why someone hasn’t thought better about putting this game on national television is beyond me.