Stroman loses no-hitter, but gem thrown at Rays originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
Marcus Stroman hit in the seventh inning of Monday’s game against the Tampa Bay Rays, and although he lost that bid, he was able to finish a full game on a hit in a 1-0 win for the Chicago Cubs. .
Stroman struck out eight batters and allowed a total of three base runners in the game, with one runner each reaching via walking, hitting and a single hit from Wander Franco in the seventh inning that put end without fail.
The only run of the game scored on a sacrifice fly by Mike Tauchman in the fourth inning, and Stroman was able to hold it as the Cubs offense struggled against the Rays.
The Cubs had a scoring chance late in the second inning, but Dansby Swanson was blocked at second base when Tucker Barnhart came out at shortstop.
The fourth inning was where the Cubs finally struck, as Seiya Suzuki hit a field single. He also advanced to second on a throwing error on the play, and that proved helpful as he then advanced to third on a Swanson flyout.
Tauchman’s sacrificial volley to the right scored Suzuki, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead.
Stroman rode the first six innings of the game, giving up only one base runner before allowing a single edged Franco to open up the top of the seventh inning.
Franco then quickly stole second base and Brandon Lowe walked, but after a flyout from Randy Arozarena Stroman was able to induce a double at-bat from Josh Lowe to end the inning undamaged.
From there, Stroman retired the last six batters he faced, finishing the game with a free pitch for a hit of 105 pitches.
The streak continues Tuesday night when the Cubs and Rays face off again, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
Click here to follow the Cubs Talk podcast.