Rockies defeat Cubs
Colorado Rockies defeat Chicago Cubs 5-2, powered by Castro and Rumfield's two-run efforts.
The Colorado Rockies defeated the Chicago Cubs 5–2 at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, handing Chicago another painful loss. Willi Castro and TJ Rumfield each drove in two runs, and four Rockies relievers shut the Cubs out for the final seven innings to seal the win, according to The Durango Herald.
It was only the second Rockies win in their last six games. But for the Cubs — dealing with a pitching crisis and a lineup that went 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position — the loss stings much more, per KTVB.
Castro and Rumfield Flip the Game in the Fourth
The Cubs jumped out fast. Pete Crow-Armstrong hit a leadoff home run — his 14th of the season — in the first inning. Matt Shaw then scored on a wild pitch in the second. Chicago led 2–0 after two innings.
Then the Rockies woke up. In the fourth, Castro doubled to center to score Jake McCarthy. Rumfield followed with a two-run home run — 385 feet to right-center — his 10th of the year, per WWL TV. Just like that, Colorado led 3–2. Castro then drove in another run in the fifth on a fielder's choice, and a wild pitch made it 5–2.
Castro's Hot Streak Is Carrying Colorado's Offense
Castro has been one of the hottest hitters in baseball over the past three games. He went 7-for-13 with nine RBIs in that stretch, according to The Hour. Tuesday's performance was just another entry in what has become a remarkable run.
Rumfield's home run was his 10th of the season. The first baseman is part of a young Rockies core — alongside players like Goodman and Carrigg — that has looked far more competitive than last year's squad, which lost 119 games.
Cabrera Exits Early, Rockies Bullpen Takes Over
Cubs starter Edward Cabrera left the game in the fifth inning with a right-hand cramp. He gave up five runs in just 4 1/3 innings and took the loss, dropping to 4–4 on the season. His early exit added more worry to an already thin Chicago rotation, per Chron.
The Rockies bullpen did the rest. Blas Castaño earned the win after 1 1/3 scoreless innings. Relievers Bernardino and Vodnik kept the Cubs quiet in the seventh and eighth. Jaden Hill closed it out with a clean ninth — earning the first save of his career.
Cubs' Pitching Injuries and RISP Woes Keep Piling Up
Chicago's rotation is in rough shape. Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, Cade Horton, and Matthew Boyd are all out with injuries. The Cubs also placed reliever Daniel Palencia on the 15-day injured list Tuesday morning with elbow inflammation, per NH Register.
The offense hasn't helped either. The Cubs hit just .077 — 3-for-39 — with runners in scoring position over their last three games. Manager Craig Counsell put it bluntly earlier this month: "We're not earning wins. Flat out." Chicago's playoff odds have dropped to about 44.6%, a season low. The series finale is Wednesday at 7:05 PM CT, with Sean Sullivan facing Javier Assad.
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