Juan Nicasio's Blown Save Dooms Phillies In 3-2 Loss To Cubs
CHICAGO (AP) — Pinch-hitter Javier Báez's single capped a two-run, ninth-inning rally and lifted the Chicago Cubs over Philadelphia 3-2 on Tuesday night to stop the Phillies' four-game winning streak.
Kris Bryant had three hits for the Cubs and his speed helped him slide home with two runs.
Phillies slugger Bryce Harper went 0 for 4, dropping his average to .224, and failed to reach base at Wrigley Field for the first time in 19 games at the iconic ballpark. Jean Segura doubled in the first to extend his hitting streak to 12 games.
Chicago trailed 2-1 starting the ninth, but Juan Nicasio (0-2) walked Bryant leading off, Anthony Rizzo doubled and, after Willson Contreras hit a shallow flyout, Jason Heyward was intentionally walked.
Bryant scored when Albert Almora Jr. hit a chopper toward first, and Nicasio's underhand toss to catcher J.T. Realmuto was late, a call upheld by a video review. Báez, who didn't start for the second straight game because of a jammed right heel, lined Nicasio's first pitch to right over a drawn-in infield.
Kyle Ryan (1-1) got two outs for the win.
Running on the pitch from second base, Bryant raced home to score in the first inning when Contreras grounded to shortstop. Bryant slid home ahead of first baseman Rhys Hoskins' throw.
Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run single in the seventh off Brandon Kintzler.
Cubs starter José Quintana allowed two hits in six shutout innings, leaving after 100 pitches. Philadelphia's Zach Eflin settled down after a 32-pitch first inning that included three walks and allowed one run and six hits in six innings.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Phillies: Manager Gabe Kapler said RHP Vince Velasquez (right forearm strain) threw an effective side session on Monday and is on track of a bullpen session on Wednesday.
Cubs: Báez (jammed right heel) didn't start for the second game after starting the first 44. Maddon said Báez's heel was still sore and that the 2018 NL MVP runner-up will be checked to make sure the injury isn't more significant. Báez was hurt fielding a grounder in the third inning on Sunday and exited in the sixth.
UP NEXT
Cubs LHP Cole Hamels (4-0, 3.13) makes his first start against the Philadelphia on Wednesday. The Phillies drafted Hamels and he won 114 games for the Phillies before he was traded to Texas in July 2015. Phillies rookie LHP Cole Irvin (2-0, 2.77) won his first two starts after his recall from Triple-A.
