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Marlins Edge Cubs 3-2 on Late Rally at Wrigley Field

Miami Marlins defeat Chicago Cubs 3-2 in a close contest where a seventh-inning run proved decisive for the visiting team.

Tessa Ortiz

September 24, 20262 min read

late innings tension - illustration, Jake Team LLC
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Miami Marlins3
Chicago Cubs2

September 23, 2026

Turning Point in the Seventh

A disputed call in the bottom of the seventh inning ultimately decided the outcome as the Miami Marlins defeated the Chicago Cubs 3-2 at Wrigley Field. The game remained deadlocked until a play that overturned an out call allowed one run to cross the plate, giving Miami its only lead of the night.

Scoring Sequences

The Marlins took an early advantage in the sixth inning when Stowers hit a home run to center field, measuring 412 feet. The blast drove in Lopez, pushing the score to 2-0 for Miami. Chicago responded immediately in the same frame with a two-run rally. Swanson’s single to left field scored both Busch and Happ, tying the game at 2-2.

The decisive moment arrived in the seventh inning. With the score tied, Mack grounded out toward second base. The play initially resulted in an out, but Miami challenged the call. The challenge was successful, overturning the ruling on the field. Ramírez was credited with scoring on the play, giving the Marlins a 3-2 lead that they would not relinquish.

Pitching Performances

Miami’s bullpen provided the critical support after starter Ryan Gusto worked 5.1 innings. Gusto allowed six hits and two earned runs while striking out five batters. Michael Petersen pitched 0.2 innings, surrendering one hit but no earned runs.

Cade Gibson secured the win with a perfect inning of work, retiring the side in order with two strikeouts. Calvin Faucher closed out the regular portion of the relief effort with a scoreless frame, though he recorded zero strikeouts. Sandy Alcantara earned the save by pitching a final inning that included one hit.

Chicago’s starter Kevin Gausman matched Gusto’s workload over 5.2 innings, also allowing six hits and two earned runs while striking out seven. Javier Assad pitched 0.1 scoreless innings. Ryan Rolison took the loss after giving up two hits and one earned run in 0.2 innings. Jacob Webb contributed 1.1 innings with two strikeouts, and Colin Rea finished with a clean inning of relief.

Final Details

The final attendance at Wrigley Field was 36,635. The victory improved Miami’s record to 78-80, while Chicago fell to 87-71.

Sources

ESPN

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Tessa Ortiz

Tessa Ortiz covers Nocatee high school and area college sports.

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