Full Breakdown
Blue Jays Rally Late to Edge Cubs 8-6 at Wrigley Field
6/21/2026, 10:56:17 PM
Game Summary
On Saturday at Wrigley Field, the Toronto Blue Jays erased a five-run deficit to beat the Chicago Cubs 8-6. Daulton Varsho’s three-run homer in the seventh and Kazuma Okamoto’s three-run blast in the eighth supplied the decisive runs after Chicago had built a 5-0 lead.
Key Moments
Chicago seized a 5-0 advantage early, highlighted by Pete Crow-Armstrong’s two-run single in the sixth. Toronto narrowed the gap to 5-3 in the fifth, then Varsho’s three-run homer in the seventh cut it to 5-6. In the eighth, Jacob Webb allowed RBI singles to Alejandro Kirk and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., tying the game, before Okamoto’s three-run homer put Toronto ahead 8-5. Louis Varland closed the ninth with a six-out save.
Key Performers & Statistics
Varsho’s three-run blast, Okamoto’s 16th homer, Kirk and Guerrero Jr.’s RBI singles, Jeff Hoffman’s one-inning relief, Varland’s 15th save on ten pitches, Colin Rea’s four scoreless innings (5 2/3 total) with two strikeouts, Jacob Webb’s 1-2 record, and the Cubs’ bullpen surrendering eight runs after holding a 5-0 lead.
Impact on the Cubs’ Season
The loss left Chicago at 40-37, third in the NL Central, 6.5 games behind the division leader. Repeated bullpen collapses have been cited as a barrier to converting strong starts. The club also designated left-hander Luis Peralta for assignment, removing a pitcher who had not appeared this season.
Official Statement
“Chicago Cubs designated LHP Luis Peralta for assignment.” — MLB.com
Criticism of the Cubs’ Bullpen
Bleed Cubbie Blue criticized the relief corps, saying the bullpen performed poorly and that the failure ruined what had been a fine afternoon at Wrigley Field, warning that such lapses jeopardize the team’s standing.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You can’t get more efficient than what Rolison did — got a double-play comebacker on his first (and only) pitch of the game.” — JohnW53, Bleed Cubbie Blue
- “Try refreshing your browser, or Back to video Article content Trailing 5-0 after six innings and showing little signs of offensive life with just three singles, the Jays took advantage of a pair of three-run home runs — one in the seventh by Daulton Varsho, another from Kaz Okamoto in the eighth — to rescue a wild 8-6 victory in one of the most unlikely and unpredictable turnarounds of the season.” — Toronto Sun
- “But Varland got out of it with minimal damage allowed — on just 10 pitches — as the Cubs managed only one run on a Nico Hoerner fielder’s choice groundout to short.” — Toronto Sun
- “One more note from John: The Cubs’ last loss before today in which they squandered a five-run lead was on Sept.” — Bleed Cubbie Blue
Looking Ahead
The series finale on Sunday will feature Shota Imanaga for Chicago against Dylan Cease for Toronto, followed by a road trip to face the New York Mets.
