CHICAGO _ The Cubs' bullpen suffered through control issues again Saturday in a wild 6-5 loss to the Angels on a cold but dry afternoon at Wrigley Field.
Kyle Hendricks (0-3) lasted five innings in his third start, allowing three runs (two earned) and six hits. Hendricks walked only one batter, but the Cubs bullpen issued seven free passes (one intentional) in the final four innings. Brad Brach and Randy Rosario issued back-to-back, bases-loaded walks in a two-run sixth to give the Angels a 5-2 lead, and their bullpen held off a late Cubs rally.
The Cubs trailed 6-2 in the eighth when Mark Zagunis' pinch-hit, two-run single brought them within two runs. But Angels closer Cody Allen struck out Daniel Descalso to end the threat.
After Anthony Rizzo drew a one-out walk in the ninth, Javier Baez legged out a double after catching the Angels napping on a blooper to center field, putting runners on second and third. While sliding near the left-field wall at the foul line, Angels left fielder Brian Goodwin dropped a fly ball off Jason Heyward's bat to bring in a run and leave runners on second and third. But Allen got Willson Contreras to strike out on a pitch outside the zone, and Kyle Schwarber was called out after trying to check his swing on a 3-2 pitch that bounced.
Instead of loading the bases, the game ended with a thud.
Schwarber angrily ran toward third-base umpire Gabe Morales, who ruled he didn't check his swing, and was held back by Baez while yelling at the official.
Baez hit three doubles and drove in a pair of runs.
The Cubs dropped to 5-9 heading into Sunday's final game of the homestand, which could be threatened by rain or snow.
