Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/11/22): Cubs 7, Padres 5 – Cubs Win Seesaw Affair for Rare Series Win

The Cubs had a shot at a rare series win in San Diego Wednesday afternoon, their first since winning two of three from the Brewers to open the season. Luckily for the road team, the bats came to play and they were able to achieve the aforementioned series victory.

Willson Contreras put Chicago ahead with a solo home run off of starter Nick Martinez in the top of the 1st. Keegan Thompson actually got to start a game on Wednesday and was mostly good, but an Eric Hosmer single and a Luke Voit home run gave the Padres a 2-1 edge.

The Cubs erupted for four runs in the 4th inning to take the lead as Patrick Wisdom lined an RBI single to center and Frank Schwindel finally came through with a big two-run double. Jason Heyward knocked in the final run of the inning with a single.

The Padres battled back again with more help from the longball, getting a pair of home runs from Hosmer and Voit in the 7th inning to tie the game at five. Alfonso Rivas came back with the bases loaded in the top of the 8th and hit a single to center field to put his team up 7-5.

Things got a little hairy for Rowan Wick, who ultimately closed out the final two innings to save the victory, despite a couple of well-hit fly balls. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

They were able to come through with men on base and get some big hits, which have been in short supply of late.

Key Moment

The way the Cubs had been playing, a development like the Padres coming back to tie the game would lead the Cubs to collapse. But on Wednesday, they fought back in the 8th inning to forge back ahead.

Stats That Matter

• Thompson was solid again although it’s unclear if he will keep starting: 4 IP. 2 R, 5 H, 1 K, and 2 BB.
• Nico Hoerner was forced to leave the game after colliding with the second base umpire in the 2nd inning. He has a sprained ankle and will be re-evaluated when the swelling subsides.
• Contreras reached base three times on Wednesday as he stays red hot.

Bottom Line

While this probably isn’t a sign of a huge winning streak, it is still nice to at least have something good to talk about.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Arizona for three games with the Diamondbacks starting Friday at 8:40pm CT. Drew Smyly takes on former Cub Zach Davies in a game available exclusively on Apple TV+.