Despite Early Offense, Chicago Cubs Pitching Can’t Contain Hot St. Louis Cardinals Bats

Even with a strong offensive showing, Chicago Cubs pitching allowed eight earned runs through the first three innings in Saturday night’s 8-4 loss.

After just half an inning of play on Saturday night at Busch Stadium, the Chicago Cubs looked like they were on their way to evening the series with the St. Louis Cardinals.

The dismal offensive performance from Friday night was in the past, RBI hits from Franmil Reyes and Rafael Ortega gave the Cubs a 3-0 lead against St. Louis starter Adam Wainwright, all before second-half ace Drew Smyly could take the mound.

However, the Chicago lead would not last for long.

Trailing early, the division-leading Cardinals offense responded in a big way, putting eight runs on the scoreboard in just the first three innings.

With seven earned runs scoring against the left-handed Smyly, the Cubs starter's outing lasted only 2 1/3 innings.

Despite entering the game with the seventh-best ERA in baseball since the All-Star break, it was his second-shortest outing of the season.

Chicago Cubs designated hitter Franmil Reyes collects an RBI base hit against the Cardinals on Saturday.  / © Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Wasting no time getting themselves back in the game, Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt’s 34th home run of the season in the bottom of the first inning was quickly followed by back-to-back solo home runs from Tommy Edman and Tyler O’Neill in the third, propelling St. Louis in front.

With his three-run lead suddenly erased and caught in the third inning, Smyly proceeded to load the bases on a base hit and two walks subsequently ending his night.

Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Drew Smyly on Saturday night against the Cardinals.  / © Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

Making his second appearance in the Majors, relief pitcher Jeremiah Estrada looked to hold the Cardinals to their 4-3 lead. Instead, he yielded a bases-clearing double to Yadier Molina.

The hit would put the Cardinals on top for good, leading to the 8-4 final. 

The Chicago offense did a decent job getting to St. Louis starter Adam Wainright, but the aged right-hander would settle in to earn his tenth win of the season across five innings of work. After Chicago’s three-run first inning, he allowed just one more earned run on the night.

Despite the loss, five Chicago batters collected a multi-hit game. The Cubs offense had a total of 10 hits. 

Looking to salvage the series tomorrow, Marcus Stroman will take the mound for the Cubs as he looks to build upon his strong outing earlier this week in Toronto. Miles Mikolas will go for St. Louis.

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