Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs lose rubber match to Padres

After their dramatic walk-off win against the San Diego Padres on Saturday afternoon, Jon Lester and the Chicago Cubs lost Sunday’s rubber match by the score of 5-2.

More from Chicago Cubs News

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
• Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis

The Cubs had runners on first and second in the bottom of the ninth inning with Jorge Soler up at the dish but were unable to capitalize as Joaquin Benoit struck him out to end the game. Rookie third baseman Kris Bryant struck out and was hit by a pitch with Andrew Cashner on the mound, then found himself on base yet-again with a double to center field.

Both Jon Lester and Anthony Rizzo had themselves a hilarious moment as Chicago’s southpaw attempted to make a play on a sharp ground ball hit towards the mound. Clint Barmes was in the batters box and crushed a pitch up the middle only to have Lester snag it from the air.

Not only did he make the play, but since the ball was stuck in the webbing of his glove, Lester had no choice but to throw the entire thing to Rizzo to record the out.

Now the Chicago Cubs will be on a seven-game road trip for the first time this season in hopes to regain first place in the N.L. Central.

On the American League side of things, the Seattle Mariners fought their way back from a five-run deficit to defeat the Texas Rangers, 11-10. Outfielder Nelson Cruz, who just so happens to be the hottest free agent over the last two seasons, crushed a solo home run to give the Mariners a 2-0 early lead after Austin Jackson went yard himself.

After the Mariners went up 2-0 early on, Texas rallied back with seven-runs in the top of the third inning on as many hits. Austin Jackson later tied the game up at 10 in the bottom of the ninth inning, only to set up Cruz for a walk-off single moments later.

Here’s more from across the league:

“Boom Stick Explodes in Miracle Comeback” – SodoMojo

“Jon Lester CAN throw to first: Tosses glove with ball for the out” – MLB

“Edwin Jackson performing admirably out of the bullpen” – CubbiesCrib

“Detroit Tigers Win Fourth Straight Series To Begin Year” – MotorCityBengals

Next: Is It Time To Give Edwin Jackson A Chance?