Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/23/24): Phillies 6, Cubs 2 – Phils Pop Kilian, Champagne

The Cubs sought to postpone the Phillies’ division championship party for at least one more day, but it was not to be. Chicago went with a diminished lineup and Philadelphia jumped all over them as they did indeed get to celebrate an NL East crown with a 6-2 win.

Nate Pearson served as an opener for the North Siders before Caleb Kilian made his season debut for the next six innings. J.T. Realmuto hit a two-run home run off of him in the 2nd to give Philly a 2-0 lead. Former Cubs doubled the advantage in the 3rd with a Kyle Schwarber solo shot and an RBI single by Nick Castellanos to make it 4-0.

Philadelphia tacked on a couple more runs to move ahead 6-0 after six innings. Chicago finally scratched something out against Aaron Nola in the 7th via an RBI double from Nico Hoerner. They would go on to load the bases later in the frame but only scored one more time to make it 6-2 contest.

There was very little drama after that, with the Phillies winning by that same score and popping champagne bottles at Citizens Bank Park. (Box score)

Key Moment

The Cubs loaded the bases with nobody out in the 7th trailing 6-1. Matt Strahm came on in relief and allowed just an RBI groundout by Mike Tauchman.

Why the Cubs Lost

A bad pitching performance ended this one early.

Stats That Matter

• Kilian’s struggles at the MLB level continue: 5.2 IP, 6 R, 5 ER, 8 H, 3 K, and 4 BB.
• Isaac Paredes had a double, a single and a walk on Monday.

Bottom Line

It’s nicer to be the team celebrating on the field than the one having to watch someone else do it. Something for the Cubs to keep in mind for next season.

On Deck

Same teams, same time for game two Tuesday at 5:40pm CT. Justin Steele is up against an unnamed Philly starter with a broadcast on Marquee and 670 The Score.