Introduction to the Game
The Cubs are no longer tied for first place in the National League Central for the first time since April 4.
CHICAGO (AP) — The Cubs’ loss to the Kansas City Royals marked a significant shift in the standings. Salvador Perez homered twice and drove in four runs, Jac Caglianone and John Rave added solo shots, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cubs, 12-4, on Monday night at Wrigley Field.
The Shift in Standings
Then, later Monday night out West, the white-hot Milwaukee Brewers wrapped up a 6-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners for their 11th straight win. The Brewers, now an MLB-best 60-40, moved a game ahead of the Cubs (59-41) for first place in the NL Central. The teams are set for a huge three-game series next week Monday through Wednesday at American Family Field in Milwaukee.
Game Highlights
On Monday night against the Royals, meanwhile, the Cubs got off to a good start when Matt Shaw and Carson Kelly went deep off rookie left-hander Noah Cameron (4-4) in the second inning for a 4-1 lead. But aside from that, Cameron was in control for most of the first six innings. He allowed just those four second-inning runs and seven hits overall while striking out six to help the Royals win their second straight.
Performance of the Players
Cubs right-hander Ben Brown, recalled earlier in the day from Triple-A Iowa, replaced opener Ryan Brasier in the second and gave up six earned runs and seven hits while striking out four over the next four innings, falling to 4-7 on the season. Caglianone had a solo shot off Brown in the second and Perez added a two-run homer in the fourth. Kansas City got RBI hits from Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. to start a four-run fifth, then two runs scored on a throwing error and wild pitch, respectively.
Further Game Details
Rave homered in the seventh off Chris Flexen, who gave up Perez’s two-run shot in a four-run eighth that ensured the Cubs’ second straight loss. Relievers John Schreiber and Andrew Hoffman kept Chicago scoreless, and Witt and Rave each finished with a pair of RBI. Shaw drove in three runs for the Cubs, who gave All-Star centerfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong the night off due to knee soreness.
Key Moments and Statistics
Key Moment
Witt made the most of his at-bat in the fifth inning. He drove in Kyle Isbel with a single to put the Royals in front for good, stole second and went to third on Kelly’s errant pickoff throw, then scored on Brown’s wild pitch for the final run of the inning.
Key Stat
The top third of the Cubs’ order — Nico Hoerner, Kyle Tucker and Seiya Suzuki — was a combined 0-for-11.
Upcoming Games
Cubs All-Star LHP Matthew Boyd (10-3, 2.34 ERA) makes his first post-All Star break appearance Tuesday in the second game of the three-game series. Kansas City has not named a starter. First pitch at Wrigley Field is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Conclusion
The Royals’ victory over the Cubs, powered by homers from Perez, Caglianone, and Rave, marked a significant shift in the NL Central standings, with the Brewers taking the lead. The upcoming series between the Cubs and the Brewers will be crucial in determining the division’s top spot.
FAQs
- Q: Who homered twice in the game?
- A: Salvador Perez homered twice.
- Q: What is the current standing of the Cubs in the NL Central?
- A: The Cubs are now second in the NL Central, behind the Milwaukee Brewers.
- Q: Who will pitch for the Cubs in the next game?
- A: Cubs All-Star LHP Matthew Boyd will make his first post-All Star break appearance.
