Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/16/24): D-Backs 12, Cubs 11 F/10 – Hendricks Struggles as Snakes Snag Win

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandApril 17, 2024

The Cubs and Diamondbacks played another unhinged extra-innings game at Chase Field Tuesday night. Both teams struggled mightily to get anybody out with 23 total runs scored, but this time it was Arizona who tied the game in the final at bat and won in extras.

Kyle Hendricks had more issues in his fourth start of the season, giving up home runs to Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Joc Pederson to put the D-Backs ahead 4-1 in the 3rd. The Cubs offense roared to life in the 5th with four runs to take the lead against left-hander Tommy Henry.

Miguel Amaya tripled in the first run and came home on a double by Alexander Canario. Canario was able to stroll to the plate on a two-bagger by Nico Hoerner, then Cody Bellinger gave Chicago a 5-4 lead with the second triple of the frame.

Manager Craig Counsell tried to get one more inning out of Hendricks in the bottom half to save his bullpen, but a hit and two walks loaded the bases with one out and the struggling starter got the hook. Luke Little came on in relief and threw two run-scoring wild pitches to put Arizona back on top. Eventually, the home team would score four times and take an 8-5 advantage into the 6th.

The Cubs used a walk and a pair of singles to load the bases against Luis Frías with nobody out in the 7th inning. Left-hander Kyle Nelson took over at that point and gave up a sacrifice fly to Christopher Morel and an RBI base hit to Garrett Cooper to cut the deficit to just 8-7.

Then Ian Happ came to the plate with the bases reloaded and hit an absolute rocket down the left-field line that barely cleared the fence for a grand slam. Unfortunately, Chicago’s overworked and unreliable bullpen had to hold that 11-8 margin for three innings and they couldn’t do it.

The D-Backs scored runs in both the 7th and 8th to pull within 11-10. Adbert Alzolay retired the first two batters in the 9th before Ketel Marte hit a ball that somehow snuck over the wall in right-center for a game-tying home run. The Cubs held on to get it to the 10th inning, when Randal Grichuk doubled home the winning run off Drew Smyly as the Snakes walked it off 12-11. (Box score)

Key Moment

It really appeared like Marte’s home run hit the yellow line on top of the fence and bounced back into play. It was very close on replay and it feels like it was inconclusive. If it had been called a double on the field that probably also would have stayed that way after review.

Why the Cubs Lost

Another short and ineffective start put more pressure on the taxed relief corps and they couldn’t hold on despite a whale of a performance by the hitters.

Stats That Matter

  • Hendricks has absolutely nothing right now and it is just a real bummer to watch: 4.1 IP, 7 R, 5 H, 3 K, and 3 BB. He is throwing a bunch of pitches that aren’t even close to the zone, something he’s never done before.
  • Hoerner is back with a vengeance in this series and had four hits Tuesday.
  • Happ busted out of his slump in a big way with three knocks.
  • Amaya had an RBI triple and an RBI double Tuesday.

Bottom Line

This is a conversation nobody wants to have but it is unavoidable at this point, this version of Hendricks cannot be in a major league rotation. His ERA sits at 12.71 after four starts and that matches the eye test as hitters are making very loud contact against him. With Jameson Taillon likely making a start this weekend, it’s going to be pretty hard to go with the Professor over Ben Brown for the fifth spot in the rotation. All good things must eventually come to an end and that might be where the Cubs are in this case.

On Deck

Chicago looks to take the series and finish the road trip with a winning record Wednesday at 2:40pm CT. Jordan Wicks takes the mound against Brandon Pfaadt in a matchup available on Marquee and 670 The Score.

Photo of Sean Holland Sean HollandApril 17, 2024
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