Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/3/22): Red Sox 4, Cubs 2 F/11 – Infield Hits Doom Cubs
The Cubs came into Sunday hoping to complete a three-game sweep of the Red Sox. Unfortunately, Chicago did not get the breaks to go their way and they lost on Sunday.
Willson Contreras put the Cubs ahead in the opening inning with a single that scored Rafael Ortega, who had doubled to begin the frame. Keegan Thompson pitched very well despite being plagued by 6 infield hits.
Boston took the lead in the 4th inning after a misplayed Franchy Cordero pop-up dropped for a run-scoring single and a bases loaded walk to Jarren Duran forced in the go-ahead score.
Patrick Wisdom tied the game with a prodigious homer in the bottom of the 8th. Neither team could get a lead and the game moved to extra innings.
Boston went ahead in the 11th inning after, wait for it, another infield hit lead to a Rowan Wick throwing error which allowed two runs to score. The Cubs got the winning run to the plate in the bottom of the frame but could not score and dropped the finale 4-2. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
The Cubs hitters came up consistently short with runners in scoring position. The pitching held out as long as it could before finally breaking in extras.
Eye on the Future
- Nelson Velázquez had a single and a walk in five plate appearances.
- Scott Effross appears to be back on track and had another scoreless inning Sunday.
Stats That Matter
- Thompson deserved a better fate on Sunday: 4 IP, 2 R, 7 H, 3 K, and 3 BB.
- Alfonso Rivas had a pair of hits as well.
Bottom Line
That was just a tough loss for Chicago not much you could do. Sometimes you just don’t get the luck on infield singles and little dribblers. They could have easily swept this series which is a rarity this year.
On Deck
The Cubs head to Milwaukee for three games with the Brewers starting on the Fourth of July at 3:10pm CT. It’s a battle of left-handers between Eric Lauer and Justin Steele airing on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.