Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/9/20): Reds 3, Cubs 0 – Bauer Dominates Cubs, Darvish Not Good Enough

In a rematch of last weekend’s matchup of outstanding right-handers, Trevor Bauer and Yu Darvish battled tonight at Wrigley Field.

Unfortunately for the Cubs, Darvish had a rough 1st inning, giving up a three-run bomb to Mike Moustakas which proved to be more than enough to give the Reds the win.

Bauer’s stuff was electric and much crisper than the last time the Cubs saw him, and a generous outside corner sure didn’t hurt either. He didn’t allow a hit until Victor Caratini stroked a single into centerfield in the bottom of the 5th. Caratini was immediately erased when Jason Heyward ripped one right at Reds first baseman Joey Votto, who proceeded to step on first base for a double play.

The only other trouble Bauer faced was in his last inning, as he was pulled after giving up singles to Heyward and newcomer Ildemaro Vargas. Ian Happ, who had struggled mightily against Bauer, hit a frozen rope right at Moustakas to end the only real threat the Cubs had all game long. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Bauer was basically unhittable and got a little help from Chris Segal behind the plate.

Key Moment

With Bauer finally out of the game and a chance to tie it up with runners on first and third, Ian Happ scalded one right at Mike Moustakas to end the 8th inning.

Stats That Matter

  • Bauer and Darvish lived up to the billing tonight and combined for 5 H, 3 R, 19 K, 3 BB. Batters were just 5-for-46 off the two starters.
  • Darvish throws down his eighth straight quality start, but loses the decision despite going six innings and striking out nine. His ERA stands at 1.77 after giving up three runs tonight.
  • Craig Kimbrel has now gone nine straight appearances with at least two strikeouts in each.
  • The Cubs were shutout for the first time this season.

Bottom Line

Every so often, you just have to tip your cap to a pitcher who was outstanding. Tonight was one of those nights. Bauer was awesome and other than one bad pitch, Darvish was almost as good. Move on and try and take the series tomorrow.

On Deck

If the Cubs want to win the series, they’ll have to go through Reds ace Sonny Gray who’ll take the ball opposite Adbert Alzolay for the Northsiders. Game time is 7:15 CT and can be seen on Marquee and heard on 670 The Score.

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