In a chilly Chicago evening, where the winds from Lake Michigan hinted at a low-scoring matchup, the Chicago Cubs managed to edge past the Colorado Rockies in dramatic fashion, taking the game 4-3 in extra innings. It was a rollercoaster of a game that showcased both teams’ tenacity, but ultimately it was the Cubs who came out on top.
A Competitive Battle
The early stages turned into a classic pitchers’ duel, with Rockies’ Germán Márquez and Cubs’ Cade Horton showcasing their skills. They efficiently worked through the first two innings, quickly dispatching batters with precision. However, the tide shifted in the bottom of the third when the Cubs capitalized on their chances, scoring two runs on three hits, and taking advantage of the Rockies’ defensive lapses by successfully stealing three bases—a clear vulnerability in Colorado’s game plan. Hunter Goodman and Jacob Stallings struggled in their efforts to deter the running game, an area the Rockies will need to tighten up moving forward.
The Rockies responded in the fourth when Jordan Beck, hit by a pitch, showcased his speed by stealing second base, marking his seventh swipe of the season. Ryan McMahon’s single brought Beck across the plate, and a Brenton Doyle walk coupled with a Mickey Moniak sacrifice bunt loaded the bases. Yet, the Rockies couldn’t capitalize fully, as Michael Toglia flied out to end the inning, leaving fans wanting more.
Late-Inning Drama
The game settled into a rhythm until the sixth inning when Goodman got on base with a single, but was caught trying to steal—an unfortunate end that underscored a recurring theme of missed opportunities.
Then, in the seventh, Brenton Doyle stepped up, hitting a 371-foot home run on a slider that fell just out of the zone, tying the game and infusing life into the Rockies’ dugout. That marked his first homer since April 30 and was a testament to his resilience.
The Rockies had a prime opportunity to pull ahead in the ninth with Tyler Freeman hitting a single, only to be caught stealing—echoing earlier struggles. Another walk for Toglia looked promising, but Kyle Farmer grounded into an inning-ending out, allowing the game to continue into extra innings.
Extra Innings Tension
Chris Flexen, now with the Cubs, took over in the tenth inning and managed to keep the Rockies from scoring, while Tyler Kinley held the Cubs at bay. In the eleventh, with the excitement building, the Rockies briefly took the lead when a single from Goodman advanced Ghost Runner Tovar, who then scored following a Doyle groundout.
However, the Cubs rallied back. With Heroic work from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Michael Busch, who delivered a clutch single, they tied the game before Matt Shaw’s bloop single sent pinch-runner Jon Berti home for the walk-off win. As Rockies manager Warren Schaeffer noted, “It’s always frustrating when you lose, but the boys fought hard tonight,” echoing the sentiments of a team determined to improve.
Bright Spots in the Performance
Despite the loss, there were glimmers of hope for the Rockies, particularly from Márquez, who has been steadily regaining form post-Tommy John surgery. He relied heavily on his four-seam fastball and knuckle curve to maintain control. Over six innings, he gave up seven hits, two earned runs, one walk, and struck out six—all good signs for his ongoing recovery.
Meanwhile, the Rockies’ bullpen was strong early in the game, with Jake “The Dirty Bird” Bird throwing an impressive seventh inning. He continues to shine with a current ERA of 1.67. Halvorsen and Agnos each contributed efficiently, but Kinley’s struggles in the eleventh proved crucial.
What’s Next
With the Rockies now looking to avoid a sweep, they’re set to face the Cubs again tomorrow evening at 6:05. It’s a chance for them to regroup, rethink strategies, and build on the positives they’ve shown amid the tough battles. Stay tuned for what promises to be another exciting game!
