Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/12/22): Orioles 4, Cubs 2 – Cubs Drop Fifth Straight to O’s

The Cubs aimed to snap a four-game losing streak against the white-hot Orioles on Tuesday night. Chicago followed the usual script, jumping ahead to an early advantage only to give it up and lose yet another close game.

All-star Ian Happ put the home team on the board first with a solo home run in the bottom of the 1st off of Jordan Lyles. Nico Hoerner doubled in the 2nd inning, stole third base and then scored on a Alfonso Rivas single for a 2-0 Cubs lead.

Baltimore cut the deficit in half with an Anthony Santander single on Adrian Sampson in the 3rd. Ramon Urias gave his squad the lead when he hit a two-run homer in the top of the 4th inning. Chicago had numerous chances against Lyles but could not come up with a hit with men in scoring position.

Jorge Mateo took lefty Brandon Hughes deep to open the 7th inning and make it a 4-2 O’s advantage. Baltimore cruised from there and closed out the win with no drama. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

The Cubs had runners on base in the first six innings of the game Tuesday and could only score twice. Even with a decent pitching performance that is not enough offense.

Eye on the Future

• Another day another extra-base hit for Nico. It is a very promising development for Hoerner to add slugging to his already excellent hit tool.
• Rivas has been very good since being recalled from AAA Iowa and he should keep getting playing time even when Frank Schwindel comes back from injury.

Stats That Matter

• It was once again a pretty decent start from Sampson: 5.1 IP, 3 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 2 BB.
• Willson Contreras has just one hit in 12 at-bats since returning from his hamstring injury.

Bottom Line

The Cubs have scored more runs in the first inning than any team in baseball. The problem is the rest of the game. Another early lead went for naught. A lot of it is probably an effect of a thin roster, hopefully as Chicago continues to rebuild they will add impact bats that will consistently build on those early runs.

On Deck

The Cubs go for a split of the series Wednesday night at 7:05pm CT. Proud papa Justin Steele takes the bump against Spenser Watkins in a game broadcast on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.