The Marlins vs Cubs matchup turned into a dramatic extra-inning battle Tuesday night at Wrigley Field, with Miami scoring six runs in the 12th inning to defeat Chicago 8-2. The loss was particularly costly for the Cubs, who had an opportunity to clinch a postseason berth.
Chicago entered the Cubs game knowing that a victory, or an Arizona Diamondbacks loss, would secure a playoff spot. However, the Diamondbacks defeated Colorado 7-2, while the Cubs were unable to finish off the Marlins.
The defeat left Chicago, San Diego and Philadelphia tied for all three National League wild-card positions with five regular-season games remaining.
Marlins Break Open Game in 12th Inning
The game remained tied late before the Marlins finally took control in the 12th.
Griffin Conine delivered the go-ahead RBI single, driving in Esteury Ruiz and putting Miami ahead. Jakob Marsee followed with another run-scoring single before Joe Mack capped the six-run rally with a two-run single.
The Marlins’ huge 12th inning turned a close game into an 8-2 victory and prevented Chicago from clinching a playoff spot.
Chicago Misses Big Chance in 10th
The Cubs had one of their best opportunities to win in the 10th inning after loading the bases with two outs.
Matt Shaw was asked to execute a bunt with runners on first and second, but he popped the ball up for the first out. Ian Happ then hit a deep fly ball to left field that could have scored the winning run from third if the bunt had advanced the runners.
Nico Hoerner subsequently walked, but Pedro Ramírez grounded out to end the threat.
In the 12th, Miami took advantage of its own opportunity and produced the decisive offensive explosion.
Marlins Take Early Lead
Miami opened the scoring in the fourth inning.
Kyle Stowers doubled and later scored when Agustín Ramírez delivered an RBI single. Stowers added another important contribution in the sixth inning by hitting his 20th home run of the season.
Chicago answered in the bottom of the sixth.
Pete Crow-Armstrong scored the Cubs’ first run after Michael Busch hit a hard ground ball that resulted in a defensive error. Ian Happ then followed with a tying single, bringing the game level.
Neither team could break the tie in the late innings before Miami’s 12th-inning surge.
Shota Imanaga Delivers Strong Start
Shota Imanaga provided Chicago with an effective start despite the eventual loss.
The left-hander held the Marlins to one run over five innings. He did not issue a walk or allow a home run while striking out seven batters.
Imanaga has also been pitching well during September. Through four September starts, he entered the game with a 1.96 ERA over 23 innings, allowing five earned runs while issuing only two walks and giving up no home runs.
His recent form has become an important part of the Cubs’ postseason pitching plans.
Cubs Face Important Rotation Decisions
The loss adds pressure to Chicago’s pitching decisions with the regular season nearing its conclusion.
Kevin Gausman is scheduled to start Wednesday against Miami, while Thursday’s starter was still listed as to be determined. The Cubs also have to decide how to arrange their rotation for their final series against Boston.
Weather could further complicate those plans, with heavy rain expected in Boston during the weekend. A potential doubleheader or a Monday regular-season finale could leave Chicago with limited flexibility before the wild-card round.
Manager Craig Counsell has indicated that the Cubs could adjust the order of their starters while continuing to prioritize winning their remaining games.
Justin Steele Could Return
Another major storyline surrounding the Cubs is the potential return of left-hander Justin Steele.
Steele has not pitched in the major leagues since April 2025 but remains a possible option for Chicago’s weekend series in Boston. He was scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday after a successful recent rehabilitation outing.
A return would require Chicago to make both a 40-man roster move and an active-roster move.
Counsell said Steele’s recent rehab performance was an encouraging sign as the pitcher works toward a potential return.
Alex Bregman Remains Out
The Cubs also played Tuesday without third baseman Alex Bregman.
Bregman is recovering from multiple facial fractures suffered after being hit by a foul ball. The three-time All-Star could potentially return before the end of the regular season this weekend.
His status will be another factor Chicago monitors as it prepares for the postseason.
What’s Next for the Cubs and Marlins?
The Marlins vs Cubs series continues Wednesday night.
Miami is scheduled to send Ryan Gusto to the mound. Gusto entered the matchup with a 1-5 record and a 4.14 ERA.
Chicago will counter with Kevin Gausman, who entered with a 9-12 record and a 4.55 ERA.
For the Cubs, the remaining games carry major postseason significance. Chicago is trying to create separation in a tightly packed NL wild-card race, while also managing its pitching staff and potential player returns ahead of October.
The Marlins, meanwhile, will look to build on a dramatic victory that snapped a three-game losing streak and gave Miami another strong finish to its series in Chicago.
Leave a Reply