Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/8/21): Phillies 8, Cubs 0 – Cubs Drop Three of Four to Phillies

Adbert Alzolay (4-8, 4.48 ERA) took the mound against Zach Eflin (3-6, 4.13 ERA) in the series finale as the Cubs tried to square the series at two apiece. While the stuff looked good early, the results were simply not there.

The Phillies opened the scoring in the 2nd, jumping out to a 1-0 lead. They added another in the 3rd with a solo shot to left-center and two more in 5th to build a four-run advantage.

That was all she wrote for Alzolay, as he finished the night allowing four earned runs on five hits and one walk with five strikeouts over five innings.

Philadelphia broke the game wide open when they pushed across four more in the 7th and the Cubs were unable to avoid the shutout, losing by a final of 8-0. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

A subpar outing from Alzolay and a poor effort at the plate resulted in tonight’s loss.

Key Moment

Being down 4-0 in the 5th isn’t ideal, but it’s not insurmountable. Allowing four more runs in the 7th, however, put the game on ice.

Stats That Matter

• Alzolay has lost his last five starts.
• He’s also allowed 18 home runs on the year, 5th most in MLB.
• Brad Miller hit three homers for the Phillies, which is as many homers as the Cubs have hit in the last three games.

Bottom Line

Alzolay could develop into a top-of-the-rotation starter, but he needs to figure out how to keep the ball in the yard if he wants to do so.

On Deck

The Cubs take on the Cardinals in a three-game set with kyle Hendricks taking on Wade Leblanc (0-1, 4.24 ERA) in the series opener. First pitch is scheduled for 1:20pm CT on Marquee, MLB Network, 670 The Score, and WRTO for Spanish speakers.