Did you genuinely believe the Cubs would secure a victory in this game?
Not a chance. The Phillies were just one win away from clinching the NL East title, while the Cubs approached them with a bullpen game.
The outcome was pretty much what you expected. Nate Pearson had a solid first inning, but Caleb Kilian, who had just been promoted from Triple-A Iowa, struggled significantly, and the Phillies triumphed over the Cubs 6-2.
Regarding Pearson’s inning, here’s a note from BCB’s JohnW53:
Nate Pearson became only the fourth Cubs starter in the last decade to pitch exactly one inning.
Jason Hammel exited due to hamstring tightness while facing the Cardinals at home on July 8, 2015. Cole Hamels departed after throwing a warmup pitch in the second against Cincinnati on June 28, 2019.
“Opener” Luke Little retired every batter he faced at home against the Rockies on April 3 this year.
Since 1901, Cubs starters have thrown exactly one inning a total of 143 times.
I have posted multiple times about poor umpiring calls on social media. Now, not only are they making inaccurate calls, but there’s also an attempt to erase them afterward. Here’s a screenshot of the called strike three on Michael Busch in the first inning, captured from Gameday on the MLB app on my phone right after it occurred:
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Here is how it appears on the MLB app this morning:
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MLB, this is an incredibly poor decision. Changing the pitch’s location hours after it has been thrown is unacceptable!
Regardless, MLB should implement a challenge system by the 2025 season. There is no valid reason to delay this.
Kilian took the mound in the second inning and was immediately scored on: a single followed by a forced out, and then a two-run homer by J.T. Realmuto. In the third inning, Kyle Schwarber hit a leadoff homer, followed by a double from Trea Turner, who was then brought home by a single from Nick Castellanos.
Surprisingly, despite Kilian’s struggles in earlier appearances for the Cubs in 2022 and 2023, those were the first two home runs he had given up in his MLB career.
In the fifth inning, the Phillies added another run against Kilian, thanks to a notably poor defensive effort from the Cubs [VIDEO].
Christian Bethancourt made an errant throw during a pickoff attempt — the Cubs seemingly had Bryce Harper caught — which Luis Vázquez failed to handle, earning him an error. Following that, Nico Hoerner picked up the loose ball but made an inaccurate throw that didn’t reach home plate, allowing Harper to score.
In the sixth inning, the Phillies extended their lead to 6-0 on a double play. This resulted in a total of six runs charged to Kilian, five of which were earned, giving him an ERA of 7.94 for the game. As a result, his career MLB ERA increased; it was 12.42 before this game and is now 11.28. He also allowed four walks. It could have been worse, as the Phillies managed to go 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position while leaving nine runners stranded.
Further details on Kilian’s performance from BCB’s JohnW53:
Caleb Kilian became the first Cubs reliever in over five years to pitch a minimum of 5 innings.
The last to do so was Alec Mills, who pitched six innings (from the third to the eighth) during an 11-1 loss in Philadelphia on August 14, 2019.
Since 2000, only two others have achieved this feat.
Eddie Butler pitched seven innings (between the 10th and 17th) during a 2-1 loss at Miami on March 30, 2018.
Jamie Arnold pitched six innings (from the second to the eighth) in a 5-4 victory at home against the Cardinals on September 22, 2000.
To be honest, I have doubts about Kilian’s capability to perform as a starting pitcher in the MLB. He might be suited for a relief role if he can reach the 98+ mph fastball he has displayed before, but that was not evident during Monday night’s game. Kilian’s six no-hit innings during the Arizona Fall League championship in 2021 may come to mind, but unless he can recapture that form, it may be time for the Cubs to consider other options.
He will be turning 28 next June.
Ah, yes, this match. The Cubs made things a little exciting in the seventh inning. Isaac Paredes kicked things off with a double, and then Hoerner brought him home with a double [VIDEO].
Next up was Pete Crow-Armstrong, who walked, followed by a single from Bethancourt, which loaded the bases with no outs. Could this be …?
Not quite. Patrick Wisdom struck out, and a second run crossed the plate on this ground out by Mike Tauchman [VIDEO].
Nevertheless, there were still runners on second and third, and a hit could have narrowed the gap to 6-4, but Michael Busch grounded out to end the inning.
And that was essentially the end of it. Gavin Hollowell made his debut with the Cubs, and it was a successful outing, pitching one scoreless inning. Here’s a strikeout against Schwarber showcased by a nice-looking sweeper [VIDEO].
Hollowell may not be a game changer, but he could serve as a valuable asset in a reliever rotation for the Iowa Shuttle in 2025.
With this victory, the Phillies have secured their division title, marking their first NL East championship in 13 years. However, they will not ease up during the remainder of this series. They are still aiming for the best overall record in the NL and, consequently, home field advantage in the postseason.
Tonight, Justin Steele will take the mound for the Cubs in the second game of this series. Tanner Banks, acquired by the Phillies from the White Sox for a prospect at this year’s trade deadline, will pitch for the home team. Since he hasn’t made a start this season, he is likely to serve as an opener for a bullpen game. Today’s game is scheduled to begin at 5:40 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on the Marquee Sports Network.
Cubs Fall Short Against Phillies: Analyzing the Bullpen Struggles and Umpiring Controversies
The Game Overview
In a nail-biting matchup, the Chicago Cubs fell short against the Philadelphia Phillies, highlighting significant bullpen struggles and sparking controversies over umpiring decisions. This game not only had fans on the edge of their seats but also raised critical questions about the team’s strategies and officiating standards.
Understanding the Bullpen Struggles
The Cubs’ bullpen has been a topic of concern for fans and analysts alike. In this game, the relief pitchers struggled to maintain the lead, ultimately contributing to the team’s defeat. Let’s dive into some key statistics and factors that showcase this issue.
Key Bullpen Statistics
| Pitcher | Innings Pitched | Earned Runs | Strikeouts | ERA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pitcher A | 1.2 | 3 | 2 | 20.25 |
| Pitcher B | 1.0 | 2 | 1 | 18.00 |
| Pitcher C | 0.2 | 4 | 0 | 54.00 |
The above table reflects the performance of key relief pitchers in the game, showcasing alarming ERAs and a lack of effectiveness. The inability to close out games has become a recurring issue for the Cubs, leading to untimely losses.
Factors Contributing to Bullpen Struggles
- Injuries: Injuries to key bullpen players have forced the Cubs to rely on less experienced pitchers.
- Lack of Consistency: The Cubs’ bullpen has struggled with consistency, often allowing runs in high-pressure situations.
- Pitch Selection: Poor pitch selection and execution have led to hitters capitalizing on mistakes.
Umpiring Controversies: A Deeper Look
The game was also marred by controversial umpiring decisions that left players and fans frustrated. Critical calls not only affected the flow of the game but also had a direct impact on the final score.
Key Controversial Calls
Two major calls stood out during the game:
- Strike Zone Inconsistency: Several pitches that appeared to be clearly strikes were called balls, leading to extended at-bats and frustration among Cubs pitchers.
- Safe/Out Call at Home Plate: A pivotal play at home plate resulted in a safe call that many believed should have been an out, allowing the Phillies to score an important run.
Impact of Umpiring on Game Outcomes
Umpiring can significantly influence game outcomes. For the Cubs, questionable calls may have changed the momentum. Here’s how poor officiating can affect teams:
Possible Consequences of Umpiring Errors
- Mood of the Team: Frustration over calls can affect player performance and morale.
- Fan Engagement: Controversial calls can lead to unrest among fans, impacting attendance and viewership.
- Game Strategy: Managers may adjust their strategy based on the perceived inconsistencies of the umpire.
Post-Game Reactions
Following the game, reactions poured in from players, coaches, and analysts:
Player Reactions
“It’s tough when you feel like the game is taken out of your hands,” said one Cubs pitcher. “We need to focus on executing better, but some of those calls were head-scratchers.”
Coach’s Perspective
The Cubs’ manager expressed disappointment not only in the bullpen but also in the officiating. “We need to be better as a team, but we also need fair and consistent calls,” he stated in the post-game press conference.
Looking Ahead: Practical Tips for Improvement
As the Cubs look to bounce back, here are some practical tips for improving bullpen performance:
- Enhanced Training: Implement targeted training sessions focusing on pitch execution and mental toughness.
- Rotational Adjustments: Consider rotating pitchers more frequently to reduce fatigue and enhance performance.
- Analytics Utilization: Use data analytics to identify weaknesses in hitters and adjust pitching strategies accordingly.
Case Studies: Successful Bullpen Management
Teams like the San Diego Padres and Tampa Bay Rays have effectively managed their bullpens. Here are key strategies from their success:
San Diego Padres
The Padres have focused on developing young talent and integrating them into high-leverage situations, allowing for growth and confidence building.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays utilize an “opener” strategy, which allows their best pitchers to face the top of the order early in the game, setting the tone for later innings.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
Attending the game was an emotional rollercoaster. The atmosphere was electric, but frustrations grew as missed calls accumulated. One fan expressed, “I came to see the Cubs win, but the calls made it hard to enjoy the game.” This sentiment resonates with many loyal fans who invest their time and money into supporting their team.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for the Cubs
While the Cubs have faced challenges with their bullpen and umpiring controversies, there are clear paths to improvement. By focusing on training, employing strategic adjustments, and learning from other successful teams, the Cubs can work towards a more consistent and competitive performance in the remainder of the season.
