Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/5/26): Cubs 6, Marlins 5 – Bullpen Survives in Close Win
The Cubs and Marlins got together for the second game of their series at loanDepot Park Saturday afternoon. The road squad built a big lead in the middle innings and the bullpen just barely held on for a one-run victory.
Chicago went ahead against starter Ryan Gusto with a three-spot in the top of the 3rd inning. Michael Conforto hit a solo home run and Ian Happ followed with a two-run single to give his team a 3-0 advantage.
The North Siders expanded their lead with an RBI single by Pete Crow-Armstrong in the top of the 4th. Javier Assad pitched around traffic most of the afternoon, but gave up a pair of runs on forceouts after he loaded the bases in the bottom of the frame to bring Miami within 4-2.
Michael Busch doubled to lead off the top of the 5th and came in to score on a single by Nico Hoerner, bringing the margin to 5-2. Assad was lifted with one on and two outs in the bottom of the inning. Caleb Thielbar came on and gave up an absolute tank of a two-run homer to Griffin Conine to bring the score to 5-4.
Busch brought in what turned out to be a critical insurance tally when he hit an RBI single against Calvin Faucher in the top of the 6th. The Marlins pulled back within a run when Kyle Stowers blasted a long solo shot off Trent Thornton in the bottom of the 7th.
Chicago tapped Ryan Zeferjahn to try and secure a five-out save with just a slim 6-5 edge. The hard-throwing righty had probably his best effort in a Cubs uniform, pitching around a two-out walk in the 9th to close out the win. (Box score)
Key Moment
Craig Counsell needed somebody to step up out of the bullpen, and he got that from Zeferjahn with no margin for error.
Why the Cubs Won
They took advantage of enough of their chances offensively and found somebody in the bullpen who was able to get people out, at least for one day.
Stats That Matter
- Assad did what he usually does by limiting damage even though he was not sharp: 4.2 IP, 3 R, 3 H, 3 K, and 5 BB.
- Three more hits for Hoerner as he stays hot.
- Conforto had a single in addition to his home run.
Bottom Line
The Cubs really need arms like Zeferjahn to find their old form if they want to do anything in the playoffs. This was a good sign, but they are going to need to see more of that going forward. Though Assad is hardly a cure-all, he is a better option than several other people in the ‘pen right now.
On Deck
Chicago goes for the sweep Sunday afternoon at 12:40pm CT. Clay Holmes takes the bump against Tyler Phillips in a contest airing on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.
