Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/22/26): Mariners 5, Cubs 4 – Arozarena Starts/Finishes Loss
The Cubs were in position to even their series against the Mariners at T-Mobile Park Saturday night after being walked off in the opener. Then a two-out rally in the bottom of the 9th erased their lead and handed them a shocking walk-off defeat.
Randy Arozarena began what would be an epic game with a leadoff home run against David Peterson in the bottom of the 1st that put Seattle up 1-0. Highly-touted prospect Kade Anderson was excellent early, but Chicago tied the score on a sacrifice fly by Kevin Alcantara in the top of the 5th.
The M’s went back ahead in the bottom of the inning on an RBI groundout by Dominic Canzone. The North Siders responded with a three-run rally against Anderson in the top of the 6th. Alex Bregman and Michael Busch hit back-to-back home runs, followed by a run-scoring double by Tyrone Taylor.
The Cubs maintained that 4-2 edge all the way to the bottom of the 9th inning, when closer Jacob Webb got into uncharacteristic trouble. Weston Wilson doubled with two outs, Leo Rivas then singled him home, and Arozarena finished what he started with a walk-off homer to center as Seattle won 5-4. (Box score)
Key Moment
Chicago had the opportunity to win the game if they had retired Rivas, who is one of the worst hitters in baseball this season, and they could not do it. It was the second time the Mariners second baseman contributed to a Cubs defeat
Why the Cubs Lost
The bullpen sprang a leak at the worst possible time, and they had no chance to answer back.
Stats That Matter
- Peterson did an excellent job rejoining the rotation: 6 IP, 2 R, 4 H, 8 K, and 2 BB.
- Taylor had a pair of walks in addition to the double.
Bottom Line
That was a real gut punch to snap the Cubs’ road series winning streak, and Sunday’s finale is important because there is a danger that mini-slump could turn into a bit of a spiral. Webb has been very reliable recently, so hopefully this is just a one-day hiccup. Chicago absolutely does not need any more problems in the bullpen.
On Deck
The road team tries to avoid a sweep Sunday at 3:10pm CT. Shōta Imanaga goes up against Bryce Miller in a matchup available on Marquee with radio coverage on The Score.
