Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/9/22): Dodgers 4, Cubs 2 – Kershaw Dominates as Cubs Bullpen Falters

The Cubs sought to prevent their first series loss in over two weeks against the Dodgers Saturday night. Chicago again took an early lead before LA staged another comeback to win.

Marcus Stroman returned from injury and matched Clayton Kershaw zero for zero through four innings. The Cubs opened the scoring in the 5th for the second consecutive day, with a Nico Hoerner double setting the stage for a Yan Gomes sacrifice fly.

The Dodgers tied the score when Will Smith singled against Scott Effross in the 6th inning to score Trea Turner. Chicago grabbed the advantage back in the 7th when Patrick Wisdom doubled and scored on a throwing error on a play at home plate.

Rowan Wick continued his struggles in the bottom of the frame giving up three runs to Los Angeles. Jake Lamb hit a homer and Freddie Freeman punched a two-run single to right field to do the damage.

Kershaw was outstanding making it all the way to the 8th inning before coming out. Craig Kimbrel worked around a leadoff walk to get the save against his old team. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Lost

For a second straight night, the Cubs tried to hang on to a slim lead against the mighty Dodgers. The overworked bullpen just could not hold up with so little run support.

Eye on the Future

• Seiya Suzuki had a pair of singles against Kershaw on Saturday night.
• Nico Hoerner continues to slug the baseball with another extra-base hit.

Stats That Matter

• Stroman looked very sharp and hopefully, he can have a big second half, if he doesn’t get traded: 4 IP, 0 R, 2 H, 3 K, and 1 BB.
• Wick’s velocity is down and he has been getting hit hard most of the season: 0.2 IP, 5 H, 3 R

Bottom Line

Another night, another game the Cubs had a chance to win but did not. With the return of Marcus Stroman, the rotation is starting to look a bit more stable. The results should be better against teams that aren’t as good as the Dodgers, at least until the trade deadline on August 2.

On Deck

Chicago attempts to avoid the sweep Sunday at 3:10pm CT. Drew Smyly returns to the rotation to face fellow lefty Julio Urías in a broadcast available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.