Cubs Face Another Heartbreaking Loss Against Mariners

Jacob Webb’s streak of scoreless appearances ended in a painful moment for the Chicago Cubs during another walk-off loss to the Seattle Mariners. The Cubs had managed to get ahead against Mariners’ newcomer Kade Anderson in his major-league debut, pulling into the lead with a three-run sixth inning. They maintained a two-run lead until the ninth inning.

Ian Happ, struggling with his right-handed swing, added to the Cubs’ woes. Webb, after retiring two Mariners hitters effortlessly, conceded a double to Weston Wilson and an RBI single to Leo Rivas, who had been the hero of Friday night’s game. Randy Arozarena had already been a challenge for the Cubs twice during the game, hitting a pitch from starter David Peterson out of the park on the first pitch he faced, and later robbing Miguel Amaya of a home run with an impressive jump at the left-field wall.

Facing Arozarena in the ninth, the Cubs aimed to make him chase difficult pitches, according to Amaya. But Webb’s slider did not dip low enough, and Arozarena sent it soaring 404 feet to center field for a two-run walk-off home run, sealing a 5-4 defeat for the Cubs.

“Poor execution on my part,” Webb commented. “A good lineup put great swings on the ball. I didn’t execute today, but I’ve been fortunate with my recent performance streak.”

The Mariners’ ninth inning comeback off Webb marked the first runs he’d allowed since June 20, ending his impressive streak of 24 scoreless appearances. Webb was only one of three Cubs relievers since 2000 to achieve at least 24 consecutive scoreless outings, joining Andrew Chafin (2021, 26 games) and Mark Guthrie (2003, 24 games).

Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged Webb’s achievements this season. Although the loss was disappointing, Counsell emphasized Webb’s impressive performance and expressed confidence in Webb’s continued success.

Peterson, who had been acquired from the Mets on June 25 due to injuries in the Cubs’ rotation, managed to hold the Mariners to two runs over six innings, striking out eight and walking two. Since joining the Cubs, Peterson has demonstrated his importance with a 2.20 ERA over his last eight games, including seven starts.

“When I got traded over, I intended to fill a rotation gap while injured players recovered,” Peterson noted. “Beyond that, my aim was helping the team win, whether starting, relieving, or adapting to different situations.”

The Cubs have performed well against starting pitchers during their third time through the lineup this season, maintaining an .826 OPS—a mark second in MLB. This proved true in the sixth inning when Alex Bregman hit his third home run in two games to level the score. Michael Busch followed, marking the Cubs’ fifth back-to-back homer for the season. After Mariners replaced Anderson, the Cubs advanced with consecutive doubles by Nico Hoerner and Tyrone Taylor, pushing their lead to 4-2.

Unfortunately, the Cubs didn’t capitalize further, failing to secure runs through the last three innings and not recording any additional hits. Now standing 74-56, the Cubs look to Shota Imanaga on Sunday to help prevent a series sweep. Their three-game losing streak endangers their hold on the top National League wild-card spot, now just two games above the Philadelphia Phillies, who are enjoying an eight-game win streak. Notably, the Cubs have beaten the Phillies in the season tiebreaker.