Chicago Cubs Drop Final Against Mariners, Can't Complete Sweep

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The Chicago Cubs (6-5) lost to the Seattle Mariners (5-8) 5-2 in their final game of a three game series. After defeating the Mariners the previous two nights, the Cubs came up short of a series sweep.
Marcus Stroman took the mound for Chicago in his third start. He threw a quality start but did give up two earned runs. His scoreless streak to start the season ended at 12 innings.
Still, he was masterful on the mound once again, proving he is the ace of this rotation. However, his offense wasn't able to count on his offense for run support.
The only runs that came across the plate for the Cubs both came on the back of Cody Bellinger. The first was a sac fly in the first inning, providing Chicago with some hope early.
Bellinger then launched a ninth inning solo home run, but failed to spark a rally.
The Mariners did most of their damage off of Julian Merryweather who gave up two home runs in the eighth inning. Both of the solo variety. Still it was enough insurance for Seattle to finish out the game 5-2.
Despite the loss, news of Ian Happ's three-year, $61 million extension overshadowed the day. Now, the Cubs have their left fielder locked down for the foreseeable future as they enter their window of contention.
Chicago returns to action on Friday when they face the Los Angeles Dodgers in LA. First pitch is scheduled for a late 9:10 p.m. CT start.
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Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Cubs. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.