Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (7/9/26): Orioles 3, Cubs 2 -Bullpen Can’t Hold Slim Lead

The Cubs and Orioles had to move up to play on Thursday afternoon to avoid impending rain at Camden Yards. The road team was in position to complete the potential sweep, but the undermanned bullpen could not finish the job and the O’s salvaged the finale as the skies opened up.

Baltimore went ahead in the bottom of the 2nd when Tyler O’Neill hit a solo home run off of David Peterson. Chicago evened things against Trevor Rogers with a homer by Seiya Suzuki in the top of the 5th.

Suzuki played hero again with an RBI double against reliever Tyler Wells in the top of the 8th that gave the North Siders a 2-1 lead. Ryan Rolison came on in the bottom of the inning with two men on and gave up the go-ahead two-run double to pinch-hitter Jeremiah Jackson that put the O’s in front 3-2.

The Cubs got two hits against former teammate Andrew Kittredge in the 9th, but Nico Hoerner got called out on a controversial stolen base where it was ruled that he overslid the base. He was prevented from holding the bag by the defender, but that was not part of the replay review. Baltimore would hold on for a 3-2 victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

Tyler Ferguson hit consecutive batters with pitches in the bottom of the 8th inning, and those runners would score on the Jackson double.

Why the Cubs Lost

With the bullpen a total wild card, it’s going to take more than two runs to win most days.

Stats That Matter

• A vast improvement for Peterson over his last outing: 5 IP, 1 R, 2 H, 2 K, and 4 BB.
• Suzuki had three hits before coming out with a leg cramp in the 8th.
• Ian Happ had a pair of singles.

Bottom Line

This game is just another datapoint in the argument that the Cubs absolutely have to acquire more help for the bullpen. To say the current unit isn’t ready for prime time is a pretty substantial understatement. Several relievers who are fringe major leaguers, at best, are getting high-leverage opportunities right now. If they can get a couple reliable arms, they could be a serious contender in the playoffs.

On Deck

Chicago finishes up the first half against the Reds in Cincinnati starting Friday night at 6:10pm CT. Shōta Imanaga faces off against Hunter Greene in a game televised on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.