Cubs Score and Recap (8/19/20, Game 2): Cubs 4, Cardinals 2 – Alzolay Dazzles, Bote Comes Up Clutch in Final Frame

There’s no question that the Chicago Cubs’ offense was not on full display in either game of the doubleheader at Wrigley Field today. They came alive at the right time though, doing just enough damage to secure a 4-2 win in the second game of the day. That was good enough for a 3-2 series win over the St. Louis Cardinals.

Adbert Alzolay was called up from South Bend today to make his first start of 2020. He was mostly magnificent, giving up no earned runs over five frames, stifling the Cardinals.  He got a couple of early runs in the top of the 2nd to help settle in. Victor Caratini knocked a single into center to score Kyle Schwarber and Willson Contreras, both of whom had walked to start the inning.

After handing the ball to Jeremy Jeffress in the 6th with a 2-1 lead, things were right on track. However, Jeffress ran into trouble with the top of the Cardinals order, walking two and giving up an RBI single to Brad Miller that knotted the game at two runs apiece.

With the score tied in the top of the 7th, the Cubs got hard singles from Schwarber, Contreras, and Nico Hoerner to load the bases. Bring up David Bote, who lined an 0-2 fastball into center to plate Almora (running for Schwarber) and Contreras to make it 4-2.

Craig Kimbrel came on for the save in the bottom of the 7th. He dealt three strikeouts the Cards way, slamming the door on the game and series in emphatic fashion. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs

Alzolay threw a gem, the Cubs hitting resurfaced and came up clutch in the 7th, and Kimbrel locked things down to close it out.

Key Moment

Bote’s rip up the middle broke a 2-2 tie in the 7th as the visiting Cubs took a two-run lead they would not relinquish.

Stats That Matter

• Bote with the game-winner in both doubleheader nightcaps.
• Alzolay was clutch: 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 1BB, 6 K
• The “away team” was 4-1 in this five-game series at Wrigley. So 2020.
• Kimbrel stepped up: 1 IP, 0H, 0BB, 0R, 3K. Oh, and hit 99 mph en route to his 347th career save, tied for 12th all time.

Bottom Line

The Cubs took three-of-five from the Cardinals in what turned out to be a close series all around. A 16-8 record and 4.5 games up on the Brewers is a good spot to be in this season.

On Deck

After a much needed off day on Thursday, the Cubs take on the White Sox at Wrigley Field. Friday night will feature a battle of southpaws as Dallas Keuchel gets the ball for the Sox and Jon Lester takes the hill for the Cubs. Game time is 7:15 CT and can be seen on Marquee or NBC Sports Chicago. It can also be heard on either 670 The Score or 720 WGN Radio.