Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (Simulated Game 74): Cubs 6, Mets 5 – Cubs Win Behind Hendricks’ Solid Performance

The Chicago Cubs (49-25) jumped out to a lead early, thanks to yet another home run by David Bote, and held on late to beat the New York Mets (30-42). The Cubs have now taken the first two in their three games series with New York, via MLB The Show 20.

Kyle Hendricks outperformed Mets right-hander Marcus Stroman, going seven solid innings. He ran into trouble in the 2nd inning, however, allowing a two-run homer by outfielder Michael Conforto. The Cubs rebounded quickly against Stroman, thanks to an Ian Happ RBI single, a Willson Contreras base hit, and a three-run bomb by Bote to put them up 4-2.

In the bottom of the 3rd, Kris Bryant crushed one to left field to put the Cubs ahead 5-3. Stroman ultimately went 4 2/3 innings, allowing nine hits with zero walks, five earned runs, and five strikeouts. Former Cub Justin Wilson pitched the 7th and surrendered another run on a sacrifice fly by Jason Heyward, putting the Cubs ahead 6-2.

Hendricks started the 8th inning, but surrendered a single to Robinson Canó and was pulled in favor of new relief pitcher Chris Devenski. The right-hander gave up a walk and three hits before finally closing out the inning, having let three runs cross the plate, one of them charged to Hendricks.

The Professor finished the game with a line of seven innings, eight hits, one walk, three earned runs, and seven strikeouts. Despite the shaky inning that brought the Mets to within one run, there would be no 9th inning drama. Craig Kimbrel closed out the Mets for his 28th save of the season.

Key Players:

Happ – 3-for-4, 2B, RBI
Bote – 1-for-4, HR, 3 RBI
Bryant – 1-for-5, HR, RBI
Conforto – 3-for-4, 2B, HR, 4 RBI
Ramos – 3-for-4, RBI
Alonso – 2-for-4, 2B, 2 R

Winning Pitcher – Hendricks (7-4)
Losing Pitcher – Stroman (7-6)
Save – Kimbrel (28)
Home Runs – Bryant (25), Bote (11), Conforto (12)