Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (Simulated Game 78): Cubs 7, Red Sox 4 – Cubs Rally Behind Big Swings from Hoerner, Happ

The Chicago Cubs (53-25) stole another victory on Father’s Day, coming back from a 3-0 deficit in the middle innings to tie the game before eventually going ahead on an Ian Happ three-run homer. The win was their eighth straight and it finished off a three-game sweep of the Boston Red Sox (31-47) at Wrigley Field.

José Quintana started for the Cubs went six innings, putting in yet another quality start. In fact, 11 of Quintana’s 16 starts this season have fallen into that category. He did, however, give up three runs in those six innings.

Rafael Devers hit a one-out double in the top of the 4th and came around to score on an single by shortstop Xander Bogaerts. Kevin Pillar also hit an RBI single in the inning to give the Sox a 2-0 lead. Bogaerts got things going the following inning, smashing a single to left field to drive in Devers and put Boston ahead 3-0.

Red Sox starter Marcus Walden kept the Cubs at bay, allowing four hits and two walks to go along with seven strikeouts, but he was only able to go four innings. The Cubs started their comeback in the bottom of the 6th against right-hander Ryan Brasier. David Bote started the frame with a triple and Nico Hoerner brought him home with one big swing.

Hoerner’s home run was his fifth of the year and it brought Chicago to within 3-2. The Sox put one more run on the board against new Cubs reliever Chris Devenski in the 7th, making it 4-2, but the Cubs once again bounced back thanks to Hoerner. He came up with two outs and the bases loaded, and drilled a fastball to right-center to bring in two runs and tie the score.

Matt Barnes came out of the Boston bullpen in the 8th to try to keep the score tied, but he failed. Victor Caratini walked as a pinch hitter and moved to second base on an Anthony Rizzo single to right. Happ came up with two outs and smashed a breaking pitch from Barnes deep to right and into the middle of the bleachers. The three-run homer gave the Cubs their first lead at 7-4.

Tyler Chatwood came out of the bullpen in the 9th and pitched a quick inning, earning his first save of the season and the fifth of his career.

Notes: David Ross mentioned after the game that he went with Chatwood over Kimbrel because of how frequently he has used his closer this season, especially lately. With a three-run lead, Ross felt it was important to give Kimbrel a day of rest going into Monday’s off-day, so he will be completely fresh for their three-game series in Cincinnati starting on Tuesday. The Reds are now four games behind the Cubs in the NL Central.

Key Players:

Hoerner – 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI
Happ – 1-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Heyward – 2-for-3, BB, 2B
Bogaerts – 4-for-4, 3 RBI
Devers – 1-for-3, BB, 2B

Winning Pitcher – Morrow (1-0)
Losing Pitcher – Barnes (2-4)
Save – Chatwood (1)
Home Runs – Hoerner (5)

Sunday Standings:

Cubs – 53-25
Reds – 49-29
Brewers – 37-39
Cardinals – 34-43
Pirates – 25-61

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