The Miami Marlins dropped a 6-5 decision to the Chicago Cubs at loanDepot Park on Saturday, September 5, 2026, falling short in nine innings despite home runs from Kyle Stowers and Griffin Conine. Ryan Gusto struggled through 4.2 innings, allowing five earned runs on ten hits, and the bullpen could not hold the deficit steady. Ryan Rolison earned the win for Chicago, Ryan Zeferjahn closed it out with the save, and Gusto took the loss in a game that came down to a single run.

Kyle Stowers and Griffin Conine Provide Miami's Offensive Firepower

The Marlins generated genuine damage against a Cubs pitching staff that walked five batters across the game. Stowers went 2-for-4 with a home run and one RBI, giving Miami a boost in the middle of the lineup. Conine was more efficient, going 1-for-2 with a two-run homer that made the score competitive. Together the two sluggers accounted for three of Miami's five RBIs on the afternoon.

Cubs starter Javier Assad worked 4.2 innings, surrendering three earned runs on three hits and five walks. Miami's hitters made Assad work, but the Marlins could not fully capitalize on the free passes. Once the Cubs bullpen took over, Chicago tightened its grip on the game.

Ryan Gusto Exits Early as Cubs Pile Up Ten Hits

The story on the mound for Miami was Gusto's inability to limit damage. Chicago's hitters went to work early, collecting ten hits off the right-hander in fewer than five innings. Gusto did punch out five, but five earned runs against a team that sent a deep lineup to the plate proved too costly to overcome.

Victor Vodnik, Calvin Faucher, Dax Fulton, and Tyler Zuber followed Gusto out of the bullpen with varying results. Vodnik gave up one earned run in 0.2 innings. Faucher and Fulton were more effective, combining for 2.2 scoreless frames with two strikeouts between them. Zuber finished the game with a clean inning, striking out two and allowing no hits, but the damage was already done by then.

Cubs' Lineup Depth Proves the Difference

Chicago got contributions across the order. Nico Hoerner led the way with three hits and an RBI in five at-bats, setting the table consistently throughout the afternoon. Ian Happ added two hits and two RBIs, while Michael Conforto went 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Michael Busch chipped in two hits, and Miguel Amaya reached base twice. The Cubs' ability to string together production from multiple spots in the lineup gave them a 6-5 margin they would not relinquish.

Key Performances

  • Kyle Stowers (MIA): 2-for-4, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Griffin Conine (MIA): 1-for-2, 1 HR, 2 RBI
  • Nico Hoerner (CHC): 3-for-5, 1 RBI
  • Ian Happ (CHC): 2-for-4, 2 RBI
  • Michael Conforto (CHC): 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI
  • Ryan Gusto (MIA): 4.2 IP, 10 H, 5 ER, 2 BB, 5 K (Loss)
  • Dax Fulton (MIA): 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
  • Javier Assad (CHC): 4.2 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 3 K
  • Ryan Zeferjahn (CHC): 1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K (Save)

What's Next for the Marlins

Miami will look to bounce back in the next game of this series. Conine's power and Stowers' consistency at the plate show the offense is capable of putting numbers on the board. The more pressing concern is starting pitching — getting length and limiting damage early will be critical if the Marlins want to flip the result. Saturday's loss was decided by a single run, which means the margin for error remains razor thin.