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Cubs Edge Marlins 6-5 in Late-Inning Thriller at loanDepot park

Chicago's Javier Assad and Ryan Zeferjahn combined for a late-inning rescue, securing a 6-5 victory over Miami on Saturday. Conforto and Hoerner starred for the visitors.

Tessa Ortiz

September 6, 20262 min read

Baseball Tension - illustration, Jake Team LLC
MLBFinal
Chicago Cubs6
Miami Marlins5

September 5, 2026

The Deciding Sequence

The Chicago Cubs captured a 6-5 victory over the Miami Marlins on Saturday, September 5, at loanDepot park in Miami, Florida. The game’s turning point arrived in the bottom of the seventh inning when the Cubs extended their lead, a margin that would ultimately hold despite a late rally by the home side. The final score reflected a high-scoring affair, with the visitors outscoring the hosts by a single run after nine innings of play. Attendance at the venue reached 26,141 fans, creating a lively atmosphere for the contest.

Offensive Highlights

Chicago’s offense was powered by strong performances from key position players. Conforto contributed significantly with a home run to center field that traveled 411 feet in the third inning. Later in the game, Hoerner singled to right field, driving in a run in the fifth inning. The Marlins responded with their own power, as Conine hit a home run to right field that went 430 feet in the fifth inning. Additionally, Stowers added to Miami’s total with a solo home run to center field measuring 442 feet in the seventh inning. These three home runs were the primary sources of extra-base power in a game where single hits also played a crucial role in moving runners into scoring positions.

Pitching Performance

On the mound, the Cubs relied on a combination of starting and relief pitching to secure the win. Javier Assad pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three hits and three earned runs while walking five batters and striking out three. Ryan Zeferjahn closed out the game with 1.2 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and one walk while recording one strikeout. For Miami, Ryan Gusto started the game, pitching 4.2 innings while allowing 10 hits and five earned runs. He also walked two batters and struck out five. The bullpen for both teams provided support, with several relievers contributing to the final score and the defensive stability required to finish the game.

Final Records

Following the result, the Chicago Cubs improved their record to 81-62. The Miami Marlins fell to a 71-72 record. The outcome was decided by the cumulative scoring plays across the innings, with the Cubs managing to hold onto their narrow advantage in the final moments of the contest. The game showcased the competitive nature of the matchup, with both teams exchanging runs throughout the middle innings before the final out was recorded.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401816815

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Tessa Ortiz

Tessa Ortiz covers Nocatee high school and area college sports.

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