Chicago Cubs Recap: Rockies 6-run third buries the Cubs

The Chicago Cubs struck first with a run in the third, but six runs in the Colorado Rockies third inning leads to short day for Jake Arrieta.

The Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies played the first game of their day-night doubleheader Tuesday at Coors Field. Looking to snap a three-game skid, the Cubs sent pitcher Jake Arrieta to the mound. As we all know it’s the first inning that has plagued the Cubs rotation this year.

Tuesday was a little different. The Cubs took the lead early thanks to an Anthony Rizzo RBI groundout in the top of the third.

However, it wouldn’t take long for the Rockies to make their presence felt in the bottom half. In the bottom of the 3rd, one out, DJ LeMahieu on second, Nolan Arenado grounded to Javier Baez.

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Instead of taking the sure out at first, Baez attempted to get LeMahieu at third, but an errant throw got by Tommy La Stella. This allowed the floodgates to open.

Gonzalez, Mark Reynolds, and Ryan Hanigan all got into the scoring act with RBI singles apiece.

A great throw by Kyle Schwarber later in the inning to nab Carlos Gonzalez at the plate kept the score at 6-2, but the damage was done.

In the fourth, the Cubs loaded the bases, with none out, but only scored one, with Schwarber bringing La Stella in on a fielder’s choice groundout.

From the pitching side, Arrieta allowed three more runs in the fourth inning. Lasting just 3 2/3 innings, his shortest outing as a Cub. On the day Arrieta allowed nine runs, five earned, walking three and striking out three.

The lone bright spot for the Cubs was reliever Dylan Floro, just called up from Triple-A Iowa, who cleaned up the rest of the way.

Throwing 4 1/3 innings, he allowed one run and struck out five.

Next: Who gets the first extension?

What’s Next

Chicago and Colorado will resume part two of their double-header from Coors Field.

Right-hander John Lackey will get the ball for Chicago. Left-hander Kyle Freeland makes the start for Colorado. First pitch is at 7:40 CT.