Quick takes: Cubs offense quiet as Cardinals sweep doubleheader

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Aug 18, 2020; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Cubs left fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) hits a two-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Cubs offense, after scoring twice in Game 1 of Saturday's doubleheader loss to the Cardinals, was quiet in Game 2 as St. Louis swept the twin bill with a 5-1 win in the night cap.

Five Cardinals relievers stifled the Cubs offense across seven innings, and with the win St. Louis trimmed the Cubs' NL Central lead to 2 1/2 games.

Some quick takes from the game:

That escalated quickly

Colin Rea, the first man up in a 'bullpen day' for the second doubleheader game, got off to a good start, pitching a scoreless first inning. But the Cardinals offense found its stride, hitting two home runs in the second and three straight singles in the third.

Rea was charged for four runs, and Duane Underwood Jr. saved his line from more damage. Underwood replaced him with two on and no outs in the third and got out of the inning on a strikeout and 6-4-3 double play. 

Quiet

The Cubs offense, after scoring twice in Game 1, scuffled in Game 2, scoring once while tallying just three hits. They walked six times but went 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position, leaving seven men on base.

The lone run scored on a fielder’s choice. Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Willson Contreras each were not in the starting lineup for Game 2.

Roster moves

The Cubs played Game 2 with one less position player than Game 1 after designating outfielder Steven Souza Jr. for assignment between games. The veteran outfielder has struggled offensively this season and went 0-for-2 with two strikeouts in Game 1 Saturday.

Way to go, rook

Right-hander Tyson Miller took Souza’s spot on the active roster and pitched well in three innings. He allowed a double to Tyler O’Neill, the first batter he faced, and O’Neill scored on a sac-fly. Miller retired the next nine batters he faced after O'Neill.

On Deck

The Cubs and Cards play the fourth game of their five-game set on Sunday. Jon Lester (2-1, 5.11 ERA) and Dakota Hudson (1-2, 2.77 ERA) are the probable starters.

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