Justin Steele made his return from the injured list on a stunning late summer afternoon Wednesday.
Regrettably, he seemed limited in his pitching abilities, and after having difficulty and loading the bases in the third inning, he was taken out after throwing 57 pitches.
This essentially turned into a bullpen game for the Cubs. Under normal circumstances, if the Cubs’ bullpen had performed as they had for much of the last couple of months, it could have resulted in a favorable outcome. However, Drew Smyly and Nate Pearson struggled in the seventh and eighth innings, leading to yet another game where the offense faded after the middle innings.
All of this culminated in a 5-3 defeat against the A’s. Let’s take a step back and examine the game.
In the first two innings, Steele managed to navigate through some challenges, achieving a strikeout in the first and a double play in the second. Meanwhile, the Cubs struggled to make an impact against the A’s rookie left-hander Brady Basso during those innings. After Steele loaded the bases with two outs in the second, Ethan Roberts was called upon and escaped the inning with a pop fly to short right [VIDEO].
Unfortunately, Tyler Soderstrom hit a two-out home run off Roberts in the fourth, putting the A’s ahead 1-0.
The Cubs were unable to score through four innings, while Keegan Thompson pitched a scoreless fifth.
Then, in the bottom of the fifth, the Cubs finally got on the scoreboard. Nico Hoerner started with a single and advanced to third on Pete Crow-Armstrong’s single. PCA moved to second on a wild pitch, and Miguel Amaya drew a walk. Ian Happ struck out, but Dansby Swanson’s single brought in a run [VIDEO].
With the bases still loaded, Seiya Suzuki’s single brought in another run, giving the Cubs the lead [VIDEO].
With the bases loaded, Cody Bellinger’s sac fly made it 3-1 [VIDEO].
Tyson Miller pitched a flawless sixth, but the Cubs’ offense fell flat in the bottom half of the inning.
It’s unclear what has gone wrong with Drew Smyly, as he has now allowed eight runs (seven earned) over his last four appearances spanning just 1⅔ innings. One of those runs came after Nate Pearson took the mound, and Pearson has struggled recently as well.
The situation could have worsened in the seventh if it weren’t for a bizarre play that concluded the inning [VIDEO].
For those keeping track, the play went 2-6-5-3-2-3.
The Cubs faced another quick exit in the bottom of the seventh after a leadoff walk from pinch-hitter Mike Tauchman, with Swanson grounding into an inning-ending double play.
Pearson returned for the eighth and faced significant challenges, conceding a single and an RBI double that turned the tide in favor of the A’s. Shortly thereafter, a ground-ball fielder’s choice resulted in Oakland’s fifth run.
The troubles went beyond the bullpen’s failures; the complete absence of offense after the middle innings was staggering. The Cubs managed only two baserunners following the fifth, both erased on double plays. The final double play, by PCA, ended the game [VIDEO].
It baffles me why Roberts, Thompson, or Miller couldn’t pitch for more than one inning. Sure, it’s a bullpen game, but that doesn’t necessitate the use of the entire bullpen, which Craig Counsell nearly did.
There’s not much else to add about this series, apart from the fact that the A’s are not as poor as they once seemed. They have shown significant improvement compared to the 112-loss team the Cubs swept last year. Since July 1, they are 37-30, and in addition to this series win, they have taken series from two teams likely headed to the postseason (Astros and Mets). They might even contend in 2025.
As for the Cubs, this loss sealed the NL Central title for the Brewers. Milwaukee stands as the first team to secure a playoff spot this year. They trail the Dodgers by only a couple of games for a first-round bye, so that will be a goal for them.
The Cubs will continue their season against the Nationals as the two teams kick off a four-game series at Wrigley Field Thursday evening. Javier Assad is confirmed as the Cubs’ starter for the series opener. As of now, the Nationals do not have a listed starter. The game is scheduled for Thursday at 6:40 p.m. CT, with television coverage provided by Marquee Sports Network.
Cubs Fall to A’s 5-3 in Tough Bullpen Game as Offense Goes Cold Post-Midinnings
Game Overview
In a tightly contested match on [insert date], the Chicago Cubs faced off against the Oakland Athletics, ultimately falling 5-3 in a challenging bullpen game. This result highlighted the struggles the Cubs’ offense encountered after a promising start, showcasing the importance of consistency in MLB games.
Cubs’ Early Momentum
The Cubs kicked off the game with an energized offense, displaying their potential to score and maintain pressure on their opponents. Key players contributed early runs, setting a tone that suggested they could dominate the game. However, as the innings progressed, their offensive energy waned, leading to missed opportunities.
Key Players in the Early Innings
- Seiya Suzuki: Took the lead with a powerful swing, hitting a home run in the second inning.
- Ian Happ: Provided an RBI single that momentarily kept the momentum alive for the Cubs.
- Dansby Swanson: Contributed solid defense and crucial baserunning that helped the Cubs early in the game.
A’s Resilience and the Bullpen Battle
The Athletics displayed remarkable resilience, responding effectively to the Cubs’ early scoring. Oakland’s bullpen, notorious for its unpredictability, stepped up to the challenge. The Cubs’ inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities played a significant role in the game’s outcome.
A’s Key Contributors
- Esteury Ruiz: Shined with a multi-hit game, including a critical double that tied the score.
- Brent Rooker: Delivered a go-ahead three-run homer in the sixth inning, showcasing the A’s power-hitting capability.
- Relief Pitchers: Combined for four scoreless innings, proving pivotal in shutting down the Cubs’ offense.
Offensive Struggles Post-Midinnings
Statistics Overview
Despite starting strong, the Cubs’ offense diminished significantly after the third inning. Here’s a statistical breakdown of the Cubs’ performance:
| Inning | Runs Scored | Hits | Left on Base |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| 3 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| 4-9 | 0 | 2 | 5 |
The data illustrates a stark contrast between the Cubs’ initial performance and their subsequent innings, where they managed only two hits and left five runners stranded on base. This lack of offensive production after the early innings underscores the need for improved batting consistency.
Injury Updates and Player Performance
Injuries can have a significant impact on a team’s performance, and the Cubs were no exception in this matchup. Key players were sidelined or playing through discomfort, which may have contributed to the decline in offensive capability.
- Christopher Morel: Recently returned from injury but struggled at the plate, contributing to the Cubs’ offensive woes.
- Marcus Stroman: The ace pitcher was rested, affecting the pitching strategy and forcing the bullpen to work longer than expected.
Lessons Learned from the Game
This game serves as a valuable lesson for the Chicago Cubs moving forward:
1. Importance of Offensive Consistency
To compete effectively in MLB, teams must maintain offensive pressure throughout the game. The Cubs need to refine their approach to avoid significant drop-offs in performance.
2. Bullpen Management
Utilizing the bullpen effectively is crucial in tight games. The Cubs must strategize their pitching changes to ensure sustained effectiveness against opposing hitters.
3. Adapting to In-Game Situations
Players must remain adaptable and ready to adjust their strategies based on game dynamics. This flexibility can often be the difference between winning and losing.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Following the game, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on the Cubs’ performance. Here are some of the highlights:
- @CubsFan23: “Frustrating to see such a strong start go to waste. We need to keep the momentum going!”
- @BaseballLover: “Kudos to the A’s for their impressive comeback. Gotta give credit where it’s due!”
- @CubsNation: “Time to refocus and come back stronger. We believe in this team!”
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games and Expectations
The Cubs will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next series. With the right adjustments, they have the potential to bounce back and regain their offensive momentum. Key matchups to watch include:
- Series against [insert upcoming opponent]
- Focus on key players to step up and deliver both offensively and defensively
- Pitching strategies to be adjusted in light of recent performances
Final Thoughts on the Cubs’ Performance
While the 5-3 loss to the A’s was certainly disappointing for the Cubs and their fans, it also serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and competitive nature of baseball. With some adjustments and renewed focus, the Cubs can look to turn their fortunes around in the upcoming games.
