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Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/9/23): Rangers 8, Cubs 2 – Texas Avoids Sweep
The Cubs were attempting to complete a three-game sweep of the Rangers at a sunny Wrigley Field this Easter Sunday after taking the first two games of the series. Texas had different plans, however, and they hopped on Chicago early to run away with the final game and avoid the brooms.
Starting pitcher Jameson Taillon struggled again in his second appearance, particularly in the 2nd inning. Travis Jankowski hit an automatic double for the first run and a Nick Madrigal throwing error brought home another score. Marcus Semien sliced his own two-bagger into right field to put the Rangers up 4-0.
Edwin Ríos cut the lead in half with a long two-run home run to center field off of Jon Gray in the bottom of the 2nd. That was as close as the Cubs would get because they would not score the rest of the game.
An Eric Hosmer error led to an unearned tally in the top of the 4th and Texas broke it wide open against Javier Assad in the 6th. A triple, a single, and a two-run double from Corey Seager brought in three additional runs for the final 8-2 margin. (Box score)
Key Moment
The 2nd inning put the Cubs in a hole they could not get out of. Madrigal had a chance to tag out catcher Jonah Heim, who was trapped off third base, but he missed and then allowed another run to score when he threw the ball away on an ill-advised attempt to get the out at first.
Why the Cubs Lost
They were sloppy on defense and just could not get the bats going Sunday.
Stats That Matter
- Taillon has not looked great in either of his starts but his defense did not help him Sunday: 5 IP, 5 R, 3 ER, 6 H, 7 K, and 1 BB.
- Ríos also walked and struck out twice demonstrating his full arsenal.
- Tucker Barnhart had two hits on Sunday.
Bottom Line
Despite the bad result in the final game, the Cubs have to be happy with winning a series against a talented Rangers team. Sunday again demonstrates that Chicago is not going to be very good at coming from behind, so good starts will be important.
On Deck
The Seattle Mariners come to Wrigley Field for three starting Monday at 6:40pm CT. Drew Smyly takes on Luis Castillo with the broadcast on Marquee and 670 The Score.