Chicago Cubs Recap: Marathon game ends in sweep for North Siders

After 18 innings, the New York Yankees left Wrigley Field with a three-game sweep of the Chicago Cubs, setting the all-time K mark for a single game.

When the few weary fans left in the seats at Wrigley Field finally made their way to their cars in the wee hours of the morning, details of the Chicago Cubs’ 5-4 loss blended together.

It hardly seemed like the same game, but left-hander Jon Lester tossed seven innings, striking out nine and walking just two. The moment that lingered in fans’ minds hours afterwards came in the bottom of the ninth when the Cubs went to work against former teammate Aroldis Chapman.

With two on and one out, pinch-hitter Albert Almora singled, driving in a run to cut the Yanks’ lead to 4-2. An RBI single by Javier Baez made it a one-run game with just one away in the frame.

Chapman blew a high fastball past Kyle Schwarber for the second out, bringing up Kris Bryant with the game on the line. The reigning National League MVP drew a walk, bringing up the ice-cold Anthony Rizzo.

The first pitch the Cubs first baseman saw was a 99-mph fastball. It ran up and in, hitting Rizzo on the forearm, forcing in the game-tying run and chasing Chapman from the game. X-rays were negative and he expects to play Monday in Colorado.

Sunday night marked Chapman’s first three-run blown save in five years. After the eventful ninth, though, neither team managed to score until the top of the 18th, when New York scored on a fielder’s choice.

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Chicago (16-15) had just one player record more than one base hit. Leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber doubled and singled. As a team, the Cubs went 2-for-15 with runners in scoring position.

Trailing 1-0 in the third, Javier Baez fouled a pitch off his foot. He remained in the game, then drove a pitch into the left-field stands. A clueless Aaron Hicks lost the ball as Baez rounded the bases as the Cubs tied it 1-1.

The Yankees opened the scoring in the first against Lester via a Starlin Castro RBI groundout. The former Cubs shortstop is hitting .355 on the year and is amidst a breakout campaign.

Early AL MVP candidate Aaron Judge delivered what appeared to be a game-winner in the ‘late’ innings. The New York outfielder tripled to center, plating Castro and giving the Yankees a 2-1 advantage.

The Yankees tacked on two more runs in the eighth, setting up the eventual Chicago rally.

What Stood Out

New York (20-9) became the third AL team to hit 20 wins this year. The Yankees join Baltimore and Houston in the American League. They won the finale, despite going a dismal 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position.

In the NL, Colorado (20-12) and Washington (21-10) are both already at the 20-win mark.

What’s Next

Chicago (16-15) hits the road Monday to take on the Rockies.

Jake Arrieta (4-1, 4.63 ERA) takes the ball in the series opener and will be opposed by Antonio Senzatela (4-1, 2.84 ERA). First pitch is at 7:40 p.m. CT at Coors Field.