Contreras hits 2-run HR in 8th as Cubs beat Marlins 2-1

Willson Contreras hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning, Justin Steele matched a career high with 10 strikeouts and the Chicago Cubs beat the Miami Marlins 2-1.

The Cubs looked like they were on the way to their sixth straight loss before Contreras drove an 0-1 pitch from Dylan Floro to left with one out in the eighth. His 16th homer woke up a sleepy crowd.

Chicago’s only hits to that point were singles by Nick Madrigal leading off the sixth and eighth. Joey Wendle singled in a run in the seventh for the Marlins, who lost for the sixth time in seven games.

Chicago Cubs' Christopher Morel, left, Willson Contreras, right, celebrate with Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Rowan Wick the team's 2-1 win over the Miami Marlins after a baseball game Friday, Aug. 5, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)