Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/16/21): Mets 6, Cubs 3 – Stock Struggles in Debut, Cubs Drop Third Straight

Robert Stock toed the rubber against Jacob deGrom (6-2, 0.56 ERA) in game three of the series, making the first big league start of his career after being selected from Triple-A. The market wasn’t great, however, as the stocky righty struggled with command over the course of the evening.

The Mets pushed two across in the 2nd, including an RBI single by deGrom, his sixth run batted in. An upper deck shot from Dominic Smith in the 3rd increased New York’s lead to 3-0.

In the 4th, deGrom left the game with shoulder soreness and the Cubs immediately took advantage when Anthony Rizzo hit a solo bomb into the upper deck.

Stock gave up two more in the 5th and the Mets tacked on another in the next frame against Cory Abbott as the home team built a five-run lead.

Rafael Ortega added a two-run homer in the 9th, but the Cubs couldn’t muster anything else on offense as they lost by a final of 6-3. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

Calling up a guy who wasn’t ready to pitch in the major leagues and continued futility at the plate resulted in tonight’s loss.

Key Moment

Besides deGrom’s injury, it’s hard to pinpoint something of significance in this one. The Cubs had an opportunity to pounce on the Mets’ misfortune but instead dug themselves a deeper hole.

Stats That Matter

• Before tonight, Jose Lobatón’s last start was in 2018 when he played for the Mets.
• Stock yielded six walks in four innings. In total, the pitching staff has issued 20 bases on balls in the series.
• The Cubs have scored five runs, struck out 39 times, drawn six walks, and left 19 men on base in the last three games.

Bottom Line

Despite being down 3-0, the game felt winnable when deGrom went down with an injury in the 4th, but Stock’s performance stifled any chance at a comeback.

On Deck

Kyle Hendricks (8-4, 4.46 ERA) takes the mound against Marcus Stroman (6-4, 2.33 ERA) in the series finale as the Cubs try to avoid a sweep. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10pm CT on Marquee and 670 The Score.