Chicago Cubs: Another Anthony Rizzo leadoff blast not enough in loss

Anthony Rizzo and Ian Happ led off Wednesday’s game with back-to-back home runs, but the Chicago Cubs ultimately come up short versus Mets.

Just 24 hours removed from the successful debut of Anthony Rizzo atop the Chicago Cubs‘ lineup, Rizzo proved that was no fluke, taking Matt Harvey‘s first pitch deep Wednesday night. Ian Happ followed suit, and Kyle Schwarber joined the long-ball act in the fourth.

It marked Happ’s second consecutive game with a home run. Chicago became the third team of 2017 to lead off a game with back-to-back home runs.

Close but no cigar

The southpaw Mike Montgomery pitched well through five innings. He left with the lead and had the opportunity for his first win of 2017, but Pedro Strop allowed the game-tying triple in the sixth.

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Montgomery is becoming more and more stretched out as he threw a season-high 88 pitches. He allowed three runs and two earned on six hits and struck out four. He only walked one.

The rest of the Mets’ offense came by way of Steven Matz‘s pinch-hit RBI single, Juan Lagares‘ sac fly, and of course the aforementioned sixth-inning triple.

Kris Bryant had a rare tough night, including an error  that accounted for the first Mets run. He went 0-for-4.

Rare bullpen woes

The Cubs’ bullpen entered the night with the second-best ERA (3.31) in the league but it was not to be on this night. Carl Edwards pitched one inning but allowed the go-ahead home run, Curtis’ Granderson’s 300th career home run, in the eighth.

Strop allowed one earned and walked a pair. Hector Rondon allowed a crushing three-run home run in the eighth.

The Cubs dropped the decision 9-4 as they have now dropped 10 of their last 11 road games.

Next: Injuries might be reason behind poor play

What’s next

With an off day Thursday, the Cubs are in action Friday night against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

Righty Eddie Butler (3-2, 4.03 ERA) makes the start opposite right-hander Trevor Williams (3-3, 5.13 ERA). First pitch is 6:05 p.m. CT from PNC Park.