Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/29/23): Marlins 7, Cubs 6 – Too Many Bases Unloaded

After a walk-off loss on Friday, the Cubs tried to even their series against the Marlins on Saturday afternoon. Chicago’s young starter put them in an early hole and they were not able to climb out of it despite numerous scoring opportunities.

Caleb Kilian came up from Iowa to make the start and struggled mightily, giving up five runs in the opening inning. Jesus Sanchez hit an automatic double to score two runs, then a wild pitch and a hit batter also led to runs. Kilian stayed in the game and made it to the 4th inning only giving up two additional tallies.

Patrick Wisdom blasted his 10th home run of the season, a two run shot in the top of the second to make it 5-2. The Cubs had numerous chances against Edward Cabrera but could not come through with runners in scoring position.

Miami built their lead up to 7-2 before Chicago started making a comeback. Cody Bellinger crushed a solo home run into the upper deck in the 6th and Nico Hoerner hit a sacrifice fly with the bases loaded later in the frame. Unfortunately, the inning ended when Eric Hosmer inexplicably tried to tag from second on the sac fly and was thrown out.

Cody Bellinger hit this ball very hard and very far. pic.twitter.com/MNt4yhEPTb

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 29, 2023

The Cubs loaded the bases for a third time in the top of the 8th. Yan Gomes got an infield single and Hoerner knocked in another with a ground out to cut Miami’s advantage to one, but that was as close as the road team would get and they went down to a 7-6 defeat. (Box score)

Key Moment

Chicago loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the 1st inning. Two strikeouts and a ground ball kept them off the scoreboard and squandered the golden opportunity.

Why the Cubs Lost

A bad start put them in a hole and then they were unable to come through with a big extra base hit in the numerous bases-loaded situations they had throughout the game Saturday.

Stats That Matter

• Kilian just does not have good enough control to be a major league pitcher right now: 3.1 IP, 7 R, 10 H, 4 K, and 2 BB.
• Trey Mancini got on base three times Saturday as his improved hitting continues.
• Wisdom snapped out of his cold streak by reaching base three times.

Bottom Line

The Marlins tried hard to give away the game Saturday but the Cubs just could not take it from them. Chicago scored six runs and they left seven more on the table. This has been a thoroughly frustrating series and I’m sure the North Siders will be glad to leave South Florida.

On Deck

The Cubs will look to salvage the final game of the series Sunday at 11:05am CT. Justin Steele takes on Bryan Hoeing in a game broadcast exclusively on Peacock with radio coverage on 670 The Score.