Chicago Cubs: Cubs run into triple play, lose to Phillies

In Sunday’s series finale, the Chicago Cubs started hot but ended up falling to old habits, as they come up short against the Philadelphia Phillies 6-3.

On the heels of a 17-run outburst Saturday, the Chicago Cubs concluded their series with the Philadelphia Phillies Sunday, going up against a pitcher in Nick Pivetta who had given up 22 ER in his last four starts coming in.

It certainly appeared as if Sunday’s affair could get out of hand early.

Power Play

While the Cubs have tended to struggle offensively in games following a large run-producing outburst, Chicago loaded the bases to begin the first inning Sunday, scoring three runs and getting RBI from Anthony Rizzo and Tommy La Stella.

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They certainly would have liked to do more damage.

The Cubs had further opportunities to score more in the fifth inning with runners on first and second. However, Javier Baez lined out into a triple play to end the fifth.

Replay upheld the out in left field as Rhys Hoskins recorded the out, even though he dropped the ball well after the catch, and appeared to possibly trap the initial catch.

The catch was good, and the resulting outs at second and first killed the rally.

Momentum shift

The 3-0 score quickly evaporated in the bottom half.

A harmless bunt single by Pedro Florimon to start the inning was anything but, as errors and two wild pitches in the inning set the Phillies up for a bigger inning, including a 2-run home run by Nick Williams to give the home team a lead they would not relinquish.

Pivetta ended up settling in after the first inning trouble, making it through five innings. On the day he allowed two earned runs, one unearned, walked four and struck out five.

He earned the win.

John Lackey came in 5-0 in his last eight starts. He was sharp in the early-going, recording the first five outs via strikeouts and striking out eight overall. He allowed six hits, five runs, four earned, and walked one.

Hector Rondon and Justin Wilson pitched scoreless innings in relief. Wilson has now turned in four straight outings without allowing a run after a tough start to his Cubs stint.

Koji Uehara was the latest victim of Hoskins who homered again, his 11th in just 18 games, and fifth straight game with a home run.

Next: Even now, should the team trade for Justin Verlander?

What’s next

The Chicago Cubs return home for a 3-game set with the Pittsburgh Pirates Monday at Wrigley Field. Mike Montgomery (4-6, 3.43 ERA) opposes Trevor Williams (5-6, 4.40 ERA) on the mound.

First pitch will be at 7:05 pm C.T.