Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/16/26): Cardinals 11, Cubs 4 – Cabrera Crushed by Cards
The Cubs and Cardinals met in the deciding game of their series at Wrigley Field on Sunday afternoon. Edward Cabrera‘s return to the starting rotation was a complete disaster and the road team won in a rout.
St. Louis took the lead in the top of the 1st inning when Alec Burleson hit a massive two-run homer, and an RBI bloop single in the following frame by Blaze Jordan made it 3-0. Chicago’s lone offensive highlight against Hunter Dobbins came on a two-run homer from Pete Crow-Armstrong that cut the deficit to 3-2 in the bottom of the 3rd.
The wheels completely fell off for Cabrera and the North Siders in a six-run top of the 4th inning. A bases-loaded walk and a sacrifice fly finally knocked the starter out of the game, and Ryan Rolison fared no better in relief. Burleson singled home a pair, then Jordan Walker went deep to put the Cardinals in front 9-2.
The rest of the afternoon was academic after that point as the Redbirds eventually prevailed 11-4. (Box score)
Key Moment
The Cubs got back into the game before things completely collapsed in the top of the 4th. Maybe a quicker hook on Cabrera could have helped, but maybe not.
Why the Cubs Lost
A terrible starting pitching performance put this one out of reach early.
Stats That Matter
- Cabrera picked right up where he left off before his injury, which is not good: 3.2 IP, 7 R, 6 H, 2 K, and 3 BB.
- Dansby Swanson had to exit the game after suffering a soft tissue injury to his left side on a swing.
Bottom Line
Chicago has enough depth in the starting rotation now that they don’t need Edward Cabrera to succeed in 2026. They can attempt to turn him around in spring training next year, but they can’t use him in any significant role right now.
On Deck
The White Sox come to Wrigley Field for three games starting Monday at 7:05pm CT. Shōta Imanaga takes the hill against Luis Castillo in a contest broadcast on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.
