MIAMI (AP) — Runs have been tough to come by for the Chicago Cubs, even with the bases loaded and one out.
That was the situation in the ninth inning Thursday, when the Cubs tried to rally from a two-run deficit but came up empty and lost to the Miami Marlins 4-2.
That made it four defeats in a row for the Cubs, their longest losing streak of the season.
With Marlins closer A.J. Ramos being rested, the Cubs mounted a comeback bid against David Phelps in the ninth. Addison Russell and Albert Almora singled with one out, and both advanced when Phelps’ cleat caught in the rubber, causing him to balk.
A walk to David Ross loaded the bases.
But pinch-hitter Chris Coghlan struck out and Ben Zobrist flied out, giving Phelps his third save of the season.
“Just the way he drew it up,” teammate Bryan Morris said with a grin.
The Cubs weren’t smiling, even though they still have the best record in the majors. The game marked the start of a season-high 11-game trip for the Cubs, and came after they were swept in a three-game series at Wrigley Field by the Cardinals.
“This is definitely not going to make or break our season,” left-hander Jon Lester said, “but at the same time we’ve got to get through this.”
Miami ended Lester’s streak of wins in five consecutive starts.
He went seven innings and allowed two runs, on homers by Giancarlo Stanton and Marcell Ozuna.