Cubs Fall in Series Finale, Drop 4-Game Set to Pirates at Wrigley Field

Both teams were kept off the board until the top of the fifth. With the bases loaded for the Pirates, Nick Gonzales singled to drive in Andrew McCutchen and Bryan Reynolds. Connor Joe only managed to get to third on the play. The Cubs kept the Pirates from adding any further runs, but the damage was done. The Pirates led 3-1. 

Christopher Morel helped the Cubs get one back in the bottom of the sixth. With Seiya Suzuki at third after his own walk and a Cody Bellinger double, Morel offered up a sacrifice fly to score Suzuki. The Cubs could not add another run after back-to-back fly outs from Ian Happ and Michael Busch to end the threat. 

Both bullpens shut down the opposition. The Cubs' pen allowed a number of baserunners, but kept the Pirates off the board. As for the Pirates' pen, they allowed a single baserunner over three innings. In the ninth, Busch reached on a walk off of David Bednar for the lone Cubs baserunner against the Pirates' pen. Otherwise, the Pirates locked the Cubs down to earn the 3-2 victory and series win. 

Bats Are Cold

The Cubs' pitching continues to be a strength. Although not a great start from Jameson Taillon, the big starter went 4.2 innings, allowing six hits and three runs. Usually, that is enough to keep your team in the game, especially after 4.1 innings of scoreless baseball from the bullpen. However, the offense only produced two hits in the 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh. 

Some of the offensive firepower is missing with Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner on the shelf. Nonetheless, outside of Cody Bellinger, most of the Cubs' bats were rather quiet against the Pirates. 

In hopes of changing things up, rumors suggest the Cubs are calling up shortstop Luis Vazquez from Triple-A Iowa. The shortstop is slashing .262/.360/.397 with three home runs, 10 doubles, and 11 RBIs. Although he isn't an offensive force, a different look and a new shortstop could add some new fire to the team. 

Regardless, the Cubs need to do something when it comes to the offense. The pitching is doing their job, but the bats have not been able to hold up their end of the bargain of late. 

What's On Tap Next?

The Cubs will have a well-timed off day on Monday while they remain at home. The Cubs will begin a new three-game set on Tuesday night when the Atlanta Braves come to town for a 6:40 p.m. CDT first pitch.