Cubs Farmhand Robel García Hits Second MLB HR in 3-1 Loss to Chisox

The Chicago Cubs spent the final weekend before the All-Star Break at Guaranteed Rate Field on the South Side for the conclusion of the crosstown series against the Chicago White Sox. After a 6-3 victory over Sox ace Lucas Giolito on Saturday, the Cubs were looking to secure a season series victory on Sunday.

White Sox 3, Cubs 1

W: Iván Nova (4-7)
L: Kyle Hendricks (7-7)
SV: Alex Colomé (20)

The Northsiders were unable to cash in on leadoff doubles by OF Albert Almora Jr. and INF Anthony Rizzo in the 3rd and 4th innings, and the game remained scoreless until the bottom of the 4th, when OF Jon Jay led off the frame with a single, followed by a two-run bomb by rookie OF Eloy Jiménez. SP Kyle Hendricks was removed after 4.0 IP, allowing the two runs on four hits with two walks and six strikeouts. RP Brad Brach allowed a solo shot by INF José Abreu in the bottom of the 5th. Sox SP Iván Nova, who has a 5.58 ERA for the season, continued his success against the Cubs (4-2, 3.75 ERA as of July 7), allowing no runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts in 5.2 IP.

IF Robel García accounted for the Cubs’ only tally with a solo homer in the top of the 7th, the second of his career after debuting on July 3. García was called up from AAA Iowa in an attempt to bolster the Northsiders’ underperforming bench that is sorely missing the presence of veteran utility player and 2016 World Series MVP Ben Zobrist.

Thanks to the loss, the Cubs were unable to gain additional ground in the NL Central standings and remain in 1st place by a mere 0.5 game ahead of the Milwaukee Brewers going into the break. Following Tuesday’s All-Star Game, the Cubs will host the Pittsburgh Pirates in a three-game weekend series starting on Friday, July 12 at 2:20 PM ET. Matchup: TBD vs. Yu Darvish (2-4, 5.01 ERA). Support the site by purchasing your tickets from SeatGeek!

Featured Image: James Kirkikis / Shutterstock.com