CHICAGO (AP) — Marcus Stroman pitched seven innings of four-hit ball, and Yan Gomes hit a tiebreaking double in the seventh inning, lifting the Chicago Cubs to a 2-1 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday night.
The Phillies’ magic number to clinch a National League playoff berth is stalled at eight after their third straight loss. The Cubs (68-86) won for the sixth time in seven games.
“If we can do that, awesome,” Stroman said of playing the role of spoiler. “If not, cheers to the Phillies on their playoff run.”
Stroman (5-7) struck out six and lowered his ERA to 2.50 over his last six starts and 2.74 over his last 15.
“I feel I’m someone who’s always pitched well in the second half, regardless of what happens in the first half, which I feel is a rarity in this game,” Stroman said. “To have someone who goes out there and gives you complete good years, that’s usually what a workhorse is, and that’s usually something I pride myself on.”
Ian Happ led off the seventh with a single through the middle of the infield off Connor Brogdon (2-2). With two out, Gomes poked a double into the right field corner, scoring Happ.
Brandon Hughes got Rhys Hoskins to ground into a double play to end the eighth, and Manuel Rodriguez retired Alec Bohm on a double play to earn his second save.
Phillies starter Zack Wheeler limited the Cubs to five hits, but allowed a homer by rookie Christopher Morel in the third inning. Wheeler, in his second start since returning from right forearm tendonitis, needed only 62 pitches through six innings.
“I’m ecstatic,” Philadelphia interim manager Rob Thomson said. “I think that time off maybe did him some good.”
Stroman issued his first walk to Bryson Stott to start the sixth. After Kyle Schwarber and Hoskins struck out, Bryce Harper hit a…