By Mary Anne

San Francisco Giants right fielder Mitch Haniger (17) chases down a 3-run double hit by Chicago Cubs’ Seika Suzuki during the first inning at Wrigley Field in Chicago on Thu Sep 6, 2023 (AP News photo)

The San Francisco Giants and Chicago Cubs played their series finale on Wednesday. The Giants lost 8-2 to the Cubs at Wrigley Field. San Francisco fell to 70-70, while Chicago improved to 76-64.

The Cubs got on the board first. Seiya Suzuki doubled on a sharp line drive to Mitch Haniger. Nico Hoerner, Ian Happ, and Dansby Swanson scored for a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning.

The Cubs extended their lead in the bottom of the third inning. Cody Bellinger doubled on a line drive to Mitch Haniger. Ian Happ scored for a 4-0 lead. Nick Madrigal singled on a line drive to Austin Slater. Bellinger scored for a 5-0 lead as Dansby Swanson went to third base.

The Cubs added a run in the bottom of the fourth inning. Miguel Amaya homered on a fly ball to left center field for a 6-0 lead.

The Cubs extended their lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Christopher Morel singled on a sharp line drive to Luis Matos. Mike Tauchman scored for a commanding 7-0 lead.

The Giants finally got on the board in the top of the seventh inning. Casey Schmitt doubled on a line drive to Mike Tauchman. Luis Matos scored to reduce the Cubs’ lead to 7-1. Joey Bart was out in a sacrifice fly to Mike Tauchman. Casey Schmitt scored to cut the Cubs’ lead to 7-2 with two outs.

The Cubs wrapped up the scoring in the bottom of the seventh inning. Cody Bellinger homered on a fly ball to right field for an 8-2 lead.

Notes: The Giants recalled Joey Bart and Luis Matos from Triple-A Sacramento. Wade Meckler was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento. Patrick Bailey was placed on the 7-day injured list.

Up Next: The Giants will return home to host the Colorado Rockies on Friday at 7:15 pm Pacific. Kyle Harrison (1-1, 4.70 ERA) will start for the Giants. The Rockies’ starting pitcher is TBD.