Jackson strong start, Cubs drop series finale 5-2 to Diamondbacks

Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

After a rough start, Edwin Jackson retired 17 of the final 18 batters he faced, but the Cubs were held to five hits by rookie Mike Bolsinger and three relievers in a 5-2 loss to the Arizona Diamondbacks at Wrigley Field on Thursday afternoon.

Jackson loaded the bases in the second, but escaped with only two runs as Gerardo Parra grounded into a double play and second baseman Luis Valbuena made a diving stop.

Emilio Bonifacio slid passed Aaron Hill‘s tag for a double then scored on a fielding error by left fielder Roger Kieschnick to tie it 1-1.

Nate Schierholtz struck out for the first out then Starlin Castro walked to load the bases with Mike Olt at the plate. Olt struck out and birthday boy Welington Castillo lined out to former Cub Tony Campana in center to strand three runs.

Paul Goldschmidt and Miguel Montero added two more runs in the eighth off reliever Jose Veras. Anthony Rizzo hit a solo home run off left-hander Oliver Perez in the bottom of the eight.

Jackson (1-2, 5.02 ERA) gave up three earned runs on five hits, struck out four and walked two over seven innings.

Bolsinger (1-1, 5.27 ERA) gave up one unearned runs on four hits, struck out seven and walked two over 6 2/3 innings. Former Chicago White Sox closer Addison Reed earned the saved.

The Cubs (7-14) open a three-game series Friday night against the Milwaukee Brewers and Matt Garza at Miller Park.

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