The Chicago Cubs took down the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 in their series finale on Thursday afternoon. The Dodgers fall to 5-5 on the season while the Cubs move up to 6-3. The home side was able to get on the board early and even put up a few insurance runs, but it was a great showing from the entire Cubs' pitching staff to pull off the victory. Kyle Schwarber got the leadoff walk in the bottom of the first inning, but after Kris Bryant had stricken out, Schwarber was caught stealing second. That ended up being good for the Dodgers as Anthony Rizzo came up and slammed his first home run of the season to make it 1-0 Chicago.
Cubs continue to pound away
More damage looked possible for the Cubs in the second inning. Albert Almora got on the bases with a walk and runners were in the corners when Jason Heyward hit a single to center field. However, Javier Baez hit a lineout, and Brett Anderson followed it up with a groundout on the very first pitch he faced. The Dodgers looked like they could be in business in the top of the third from a leadoff double by Enrique Hernandez. Initially called a catch to get Hernandez out, Los Angeles challenged the call, and it ended up being overturned. Ultimately, the next three batters would fall to end any threat.
The Dodgers get another early threat in the fourth inning with Justin Turner singing and Yasiel Puig taking a walk, but that was also all for not with three consecutive outs.
After the runners had moved into scoring position, Trayce Thompson grounded out. Even more disheartening for the Dodgers was Addison Russell leading off with a home run in the bottom of the frame.
Dodgers continue to ruin chances
Again, Los Angeles had their chance in the fifth inning. After Hyun-Jin Ryu had walked, Corey Seager was able to smack a two-out single and Turner took a walk to load up the bases.
Puig ended up popping out to register the final out of the inning for the Dodgers. Similar to the last inning, the Cubs would respond with scores. Baez delivered a leadoff single, and a pitch hit Jon Jay. Schwarber was able to bring Baez in on a ground ball to make it 3-0. After Kris Bryant had been called out, Anthony Rizzo brought Jay home to make it 4-0.
It could have been worse, but Schwarber was called out at the plate.
Despite the Dodgers having a lot of opportunities, Cubs starter Brett Anderson picked up the win by giving up no earned runs on three hits in five innings pitched. Three relief pitchers came in and gave up a hit a piece, but also recorded a strikeout each with no walks overall.
