Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/17/22): Cubs 6, Rockies 4 – Smyly Solid as Cubs Split Series in Colorado
The Cubs came in today hoping to earn a split at Coors field with the win. Once again, Chicago jumped out to an early lead but unlike Saturday they were able to hang on and close out the victory.
Willson Contreras opened up the scoring with a solo homer off of Austin Gomber in the top of the 1st inning. Nico Horner slashed a two-run double to right in the 2nd to increase the margin to 3-0.
Frank Schwindel knocked in a run with a single in the fourth and Yan Gomes followed suit with his own RBI single in the next frame. A five-run lead seemed like plenty the way Drew Smyly was pitching. The Cubs starter breezed through the first four innings giving up no runs before getting pulled in the 5th.
Replacements, Scott Effross and Michael Rucker did not fare as well in the 6th inning. Effross allowed the first run to score before being replaced by Rucker who promptly surrendered a two-run homer to Ryan McMahon.
Seiya Suzuki offered much-needed insurance when he drove the ball deep to right for a solo home run in the 7th. The Cubs miraculously escaped a bases-loaded jam in the bottom of the frame with just a Kris Bryant sacrifice fly.
Rowan Wick and David Robertson were able to preserve the 6-4 lead through the final two innings to close out a tight Chicago victory. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
- Smyly has been very good so far through two starts: 4.1 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 4 K, and 1 BB.
- Nico Hoerner hit the ball hard all day and ended with two doubles.
- Patrick Wisdom hit his third double of the series as he continues to build on his hot streak.
- Nick Madrigal is starting to find grass with his drives and had three hits today including a double and six hits for the series.
Bottom Line
The Cubs went to Denver and earned the series split against a Rockies team that is playing well to start the season. The Rockies always seem to have a huge advantage in Coors Field so to win two is a real coup.
On Deck
Chicago heads back to Wrigley for a three-game series with the Tampa Bay Rays starting Monday at 6:40pm CT. Kyle Hendricks looks to bounce back against left-hander Shane McClanahan in a game airing on Marquee and 670 The Score.
