Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/13/24, Game 2): Cardinals 5, Cubs 4 – Slim Lead Slips Away as Cards Sweep Doubleheader

The Cubs attempted to rebound from a blowout loss in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader and held on to a one-run lead through most of the late game. This time, however, they were unable to expand on their advantage like they have done most of their recent victories and the Cardinals scored two in the 8th inning to complete the sweep of the twin bill.

Javier Assad returned from his forearm injury to make the start and he struggled immediately, giving up a leadoff home run to Masyn Winn. Willson Contreras followed with his own solo shot to make it 2-0 after three batters, but the Cubs threw out a runner at the plate to limit further damage in the frame.

Chicago responded with an unlikely hero in the top of the 2nd when catcher Miguel Amaya hit a game-tying two-run homer off of St. Louis starter Kyle Gibson. Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki each had two-out RBI singles that put the road team ahead 4-2 by the end of the inning.

The Cardinals rallied again in the bottom of the frame, picking up a run on a sacrifice fly by Alec Burleson. Luckily for the Cubs, Suzuki had thrown out Matt Carpenter at the plate trying to score on a Winn single the at-bat before to maintain the North Siders’ 4-3 edge.

Assad was pulled in the 3rd and the bullpen managed to protect the lead, but Cubs hitters didn’t add to it. Porter Hodge was the reliever who finally cracked under the pressure of protecting a one-run advantage in the 8th. Contreras walked and moved to third on an automatic double by Paul Goldschmidt, setting the stage for the comeback.

Two batters later, Nolan Arenado rolled a single up the middle to score both runners and put the Cards on top 5-4. Suzuki got a single off of closer Ryan Helsley and advanced to second on a wild pitch with one out in the 9th but Helsley retired Ian Happ and Christopher Morel to earn the save. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs stranded five runners on base in the 3rd and 4th innings when Gibson was on the ropes a bit. Not getting that insurance proved very costly at the end of the game.

Why the Cubs Lost

The offense just didn’t do enough to help a pitching staff that did a decent job in the second game despite being taxed by a doubleheader and two short starts Saturday.

Stats That Matter

• Assad probably would have made a rehab start if the doubleheader hadn’t forced the Cubs’ hand. It was obvious he was a little rusty: 2.1 IP, 3 R, 7 H, 0 K, and 2 BB.
• Michael Busch had three more hits after going hitless in his first two games in St. Louis.
• Amaya walked twice in addition to the homer and is looking better at the plate.

Bottom Line

The problem with being in as big of a hole as the Cubs put themselves in the last two months is losses like this one hurt more. They can’t miss opportunities for wins when they present themselves. If they want to avoid selling at the deadline they can’t afford many more of these games over the next two weeks.

On Deck

The first half wraps up Sunday at 1:15pm CT. Jameson Taillon and Miles Mikolas are the starting pitchers in a game available on Marquee and 670 The Score.