Cubs Hold Off Marlins 6-5 in Another Tough Loss

MIAMI — The Miami Marlins suffered another frustrating loss to the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, falling 6-5 at loanDepot park. The defeat came one night after Chicago beat Miami 6-1, leaving the Marlins searching for answers as the Cubs continued to control the series.

The loss dropped the Marlins (71-72) below .500 for the first time since Aug. 7, as the club continues to drift further from reaching the postseason for the first time in three years.

Chicago jumped ahead in the third inning when Michael Conforto launched a solo home run against Marlins starter Ryan Gusto, who pitched great in August.

Conforto added another hit later in the game, while Nico Hoerner delivered a three-hit performance that helped keep the Cubs' offense moving. Chicago finished with 13 hits overall.

The Cubs continued to add pressure, scoring in four of the first six innings. Pete Crow-Armstrong drove in a run, Ian Happ collected two RBIs, and Michael Busch also contributed an RBI.

The steady production allowed Chicago to build enough of a cushion to withstand Miami's comeback attempts.

Miami, however, refused to go down quietly. Kyle Stowers, who missed Friday’s game, blasted a solo home run in his return to the lineup, a personal-best 442-foot shot. Griffin Conine then crushed a two-run homer that traveled an estimated 430 feet into the upper deck in right field.

Conine's blast brought the Marlins within one run at 5-4 and briefly energized the home crowd.

The Marlins eventually got to within one again, but Chicago's bullpen managed to protect the lead. Ryan Zeferjahn recorded the final five outs to earn his first save with the Cubs, preserving the victory.

Miami's late push included a ninth-inning review after a called third strike against Conine was overturned, but Zeferjahn recovered and retired Otto Lopez on a fly ball to end the game.

Time is running out for Clayton McCulloch’s group, which could still end the night 3 1/2 games behind the final National League Wild Card spot.

Their latest defeat was particularly disappointing because the offense showed plenty of fight after falling behind 4-0 early. Stowers and Conine provided the power, but the Marlins managed just six hits.

The Marlins will have one more opportunity to salvage the series when the teams meet again Sunday at 1:40 p.m. ET. After two straight losses to the Cubs, Miami will need a sharper all-around performance to avoid being swept at home.

Interestingly enough, the Marlins have played exceptionally well while wearing their teal jerseys.