Cubs Play Poor Defense, Have 5-Game Winning Streak Snapped
CHICAGO (AP) — Chad Bettis pitched six scoreless innings, Ben Paulsen had an RBI single and threw out a runner at the plate, and the Colorado Rockies took advantage of the Chicago Cubs' shaky defense for a 6-1 victory on Friday.
The Cubs, who had won eight of nine in their best start in 47 years, managed only four singles and made four errors. Third baseman Kris Bryant committed two of the errors, including a wild throw on a bunt that scored a run in the seventh.
Bettis (2-0) was sharp in first career start against the Cubs, and he got some help with several fine plays by his defense. The 26-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out four and walked three.
Chicago right-hander Kyle Hendricks (1-1) was charged with four runs, two earned, and seven hits in six innings. The Cubs had won five in a row.
Chicago scored its lone run in the seventh when reliever Chad Qualls forgot to cover first on what could have been an inning-ending double play.
With each of the players wearing No. 42 on the 69th anniversary of Jackie Robinson becoming the first black major leaguer, the Rockies went ahead 1-0 in the second inning on Ben Paulsen's single to center. It scored Nolan Arenado, who reached when Hendricks couldn't field his tapper wide of mound.
Colorado added two more in the sixth. Carlos Gonzalez's leadoff single extended his hitting streak to 10 games, and Arenado reached on a rare bunt single against the shift. Gonzalez scored on Gerardo Parra's single up the middle and Arenado scampered home when Ryan Raburn bounced into a double play.
Bettis and the Rockies' defense made it hold up. Parra and Gonzalez each had diving grabs in the outfield. Second baseman DJ LeMahieu made an over-the-shoulder catch. Paulsen cut down Jorge Soler at the plate when he tried to score on Hendricks' one-out safety squeeze in the fifth.
Colorado rookie Trevor Story's first game in Wrigley Field was forgettable. He went 0 for 5, including his 16th and 17th strikeouts, but leads the majors with seven homers.
It was a worse day for the Cubs. Miguel Montero was charged with a passed ball and first baseman Anthony Rizzo's miscue on a fielder's choice led to another run in the eighth.
TRAINER'S ROOM
Rockies: C Nick Hundley missed his second straight game since taking a ball off his mask, but did hit before the game. Trainer Keith Dugger said he would "not call it a concussion." ... CF Charlie Blackmon, wearing a walking boot on his left foot, said he would be ready in 15 days after being placed on the disabled list Thursday with turf toe.
Cubs: INF Javier Baez (thumb) drove all night from Iowa after he was told his Triple-A rehab stint was over. Baez said he arrived after 6 a.m. and was activated off the disabled list before the game. He didn't play.
UP NEXT
Cubs ace Jake Arrieta (2-0, 1.93 ERA) makes his third start against fellow right-hander Christian Bergman (0-1, 12.00 ERA) on Saturday in the middle game of the series. Bergman, No. 5 in the rotation, is making his first start after two relief stints.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.
