Chicago Cubs continue to pitch well in 3-2 series win over Marlins

It was a beautiful day at the ballpark as 40 thousand plus gathered to watch Jose Fernandez take on Jason Hammel and the Chicago Cubs. Fernandez was outdueled by Maddon’s veteran right-hander in tonight’s 3-2 Cubbies win over the Marlins.

Ever since former (brief) Chicago Cubs (65-41) right-hander Brian Matusz was pulled from Sunday afternoon’s game against the Seattle Mariners, this pitching staff has been lights-out on the mound, allowing only two earned runs since those early six runs just two days ago.

And not to mention, following Kyle Hendricks recording his third career complete game in last night’s 5-0 win to claim the series opener from the Miami Marlins (57-50), Jason Hammel worked a gem of his own to help his club earn their 65th win of the season on top of extending their lead over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hammel (11-5, 3.07 ERA) held the Marlins to four hits while issuing two walks, and recording three strikeouts before Joe Maddon dipped into his bullpen after six innings of work.

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Like yesterday, the Cubs gave their starting pitcher an early lead in the first inning of the ballgame after lead-off man and center fielder Dexter Fowler recorded his fourth triple of the season.

Rookie catcher and outfielder Willson Contreras jumped on the second pitch of his at-bat, scoring Fowler from third to grab a 1-0 advantage. Chicago later added another run in the bottom of the third inning, it just wasn’t pretty.

After Fowler and Contreras strung together a couple hits, first baseman Anthony Rizzo flew out to left field and started a 7-3-2-1-4 double play to end the inning but not before Fowler tagged up from third and cross home plate for the second time.

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Contreras was caught up between first and second on the fly ball, sliding safely back into first base only to attempt to take second. Marlins pitcher Fernandez fired to second base where Willson was called out.

Fernandez (12-6, 2.87 ERA) surrendered all three runs to the Cubs tonight while issuing two walks, and recording eight strikeouts in six innings of work. His club nearly got him off the hook on a two-run rally in the seventh inning that featured a Pedro Strop throwing error on what could have been a double-play.

Thankfully, he, along with Travis Wood and Hector Rondon were able to record holds while Aroldis Chapman picked up his 22nd save of the season. The Cubbies can complete the three-game sweep tomorrow afternoon before heading out west to take on the Oakland Athletics.