Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (5/4/21, Game 1): Cubs 7, Dodgers 1 (F/7) – Hendricks Goes Distance, Kershaw Chased Early

Kyle Hendricks (1-3, 7.54) took the mound against Clayton Kershaw (4-2, 2.09) in game one of a 7-inning doubleheader, looking to bounce back after a rough outing in Atlanta on April 28.

The Cubs got to Kershaw early when Kris Bryant continued his torrid start to the year with a two-bagger, later scoring on an Anthony Rizzo RBI single. Javier Báez and Matt Duffy then reached safely, loading the bases with one away. David Bote came through in the clutch with a three-RBI double that staked the home team to a 4-0 lead.

The Cubs tacked on two more in the 3rd thanks to a wild pitch by Dennis Santana that took an awkward carom off the brick wall, allowing Jake Marisnick and Ildemaro Vargas to score. They added another run in the bottom of the 6th when Marisnick sent a solo shot into the left field bleachers.

Hendricks was absolutely masterful, pitching a complete game (seven innings) and allowing just one run on seven hits and one walk with six strikeouts. The Dodgers were held scoreless until the final frame and the Cubs would go on to win by a final of 7-1. (Box score)

Get on the Bote! 🚢#CubTogether pic.twitter.com/chZe0oqh8g

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) May 4, 2021

Why the Cubs Won

An outstanding start by The Professor and plenty of run support resulted in the victory.

Key Moments

Bote’s bases-clearing double in the 1st inning broke the game open for the Cubs, ultimately resulting in the shortest start of Kershaw’s career.

Stats That Matter

• Hendricks has allowed 14 runs in 7 2/3 innings against the Braves and only five runs in 21 innings against everyone else.
• Hendricks was the first Cubs starter to record an out in the 7th inning this year.
• This was Báez’s first career three-error game.
• Today’s Marquee broadcast incorporated the Megalodon camera, a wireless device that gives the viewer a cinematic look at the action. It was featured in this year’s Super Bowl and this was the first time it was used live in an MLB game.

Bottom Line

You have to take advantage of your opportunities when you face a pitcher of Kershaw’s caliber, especially early on before they’ve had a chance to settle in. The Cubs did just that and never looked back.

On Deck

Keegan Thompson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) squares off against Trevor Bauer (3-1, 2.48 ERA) in game two of the doubleheader. First pitch is scheduled for 6:40pm CT on Marquee, 670 The Score, and WRTO for Spanish speakers.