Cubs fall to Rockies, trail Mets for NL wildcard race
- Hunter Goodman hit two home runs, including a grand slam in the eighth inning, leading the Rockies to a 9-5 victory over the Cubs.
- The Cubs initially took a 2-0 lead, but the Rockies responded with a three-run second inning and continued to score throughout the game.
- With this loss, the Cubs fell six games behind the Mets in the NL wild card race.
On Friday night in Denver, the Chicago Cubs faced off against the Colorado Rockies, ultimately losing 9-5. Hunter Goodman was the standout player for the Rockies, hitting two home runs, including a grand slam in the eighth inning that secured the victory. This performance marked Goodman's first career grand slam and a career-high seven RBIs, a feat not achieved by a Rockies player since September 2022. The Rockies had previously been on a six-game losing streak against the Cubs. The game began with the Cubs taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to Cody Bellinger's single. However, the Rockies quickly responded, taking the lead with a three-run second inning, highlighted by Goodman's two-run homer. Colorado continued to build on their lead, with Goodman contributing an RBI single in the fourth inning and Ezequiel Tovar adding a home run in the seventh. Despite a strong effort from the Cubs, including a three-run home run from Michael Busch that tied the game at 5-5 in the eighth, the Rockies regained control. The Cubs' relief pitcher Drew Smyly struggled, allowing the Rockies to load the bases before Goodman’s decisive grand slam. With this loss, the Cubs fell six games behind the New York Mets in the race for the third NL wild card spot. The defeat adds pressure on the Cubs as they continue their pursuit of a playoff berth, while the Rockies aim to build momentum after snapping their losing streak against Chicago.