Chicago Cubs: Kyle Schwarber homers, but Cubs lose to Phillies

Kyle Schwarber homered but the Chicago Cubs fell victims to the Philadelphia Phillies Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.

The Chicago Cubs kicked off Players Weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies in a losing effort.

Kyle Schwarber put the Cubs ahead 1-0 with his 22nd home run in the first inning but that was among the few highlights for the Cubs. In what turned out to be a frustrating evening early on in the City of Brotherly Love, the Phillies defeated Joe Maddon‘s bunch 7-1.

Rough start

Jose Quintana struggled in the early going. He allowed six runs in five innings, and it was 6-1 Phillies in the second inning. Quintana struck out seven and walked four.

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Phillies’ starter Jerad Eickhoff came in just 3-7 on the year and an ERA over four in August but kept Cubs batters off all night. In one of Chicago’s better opportunities, Ian Happ struck out with the bases loaded to end the fifth inning.

Eickhoff lasted five innings, allowing one run on five hits. He struck out eight and walked three.

A rising rookie in Philadelphia by the name of Rhys Hoskins continues to impress. He hit his ninth home run in just his first 16 MLB games. He was just one of three players all-time to hit eight in his first 15. Hoskins is now the first player in ML history to hit nine home runs and have 21 RBI in his first 16 games.

Cesar Hernandez delivered a bases-loaded triple in the second inning and Freddy Galvis picked up a RBI.

Punchless

Justin Wilson and Koji Uehara pitched scoreless innings in relief, and Felix Pena served up a solo shot to Maikel Franco in the 8th. Cubs batters struck out 14 times on the night and five of which came from reliever Adam Morgan.

The Cubs are just 17-25 at Citizens Bank Park since 2004. 

Next: What’s wrong with Hector Rondon?

What’s next

Game 2 of the weekend set will feature Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 3.52 ERA) versus Ben Lively (1-4, 3.70 ERA).

First pitch from Philadelphia will begin at 6:05 p.m. CT.