As many of you are aware, I usually prefer to maintain an optimistic perspective on the Chicago Cubs. Even recently, when their chances of making the postseason appeared slim, I kept thinking, “If they could just put together a solid run…”
However, after Saturday’s 6-5 loss to the Rockies in 10 innings, I must concede that this year’s postseason hopes are dashed, and the season will conclude on September 29 at Wrigley Field against the Reds. While the Cubs have not been mathematically eliminated yet, the blown ninth-inning lead and the inability to score in the 10th stand out. Let’s take a step back to the beginning; the Rockies’ victory marked the first instance all night when they were in the lead.
As has been the case before, the Cubs began with a lead in the first inning. After Dansby Swanson singled with one out, Seiya Suzuki doubled him in [VIDEO].
The Cubs extended their lead to 2-0 thanks to Cody Bellinger’s leadoff homer in the fourth [VIDEO].
Bellinger then showcased his defensive skills in the bottom of the inning [VIDEO].
Jameson Taillon held the Rockies to just one hit over five innings but conceded a run in the sixth, narrowing the Cubs’ lead to 2-1. The Cubs responded immediately in the top of the seventh, as Pete Crow-Armstrong smashed a long homer to center, marking his ninth [VIDEO].
In the bottom of the seventh, Rockies first baseman Michael Toglia matched that with a leadoff homer, bringing the score to 3-2. Following a double, Tyson Miller replaced Taillon and prevented any further damage in the seventh.
In the eighth inning, the Cubs increased their lead to two runs once again. With one out, Bellinger and Isaac Paredes hit singles. Bellinger advanced to third on the hit and scored on a sac fly by Michael Busch [VIDEO].
Despite the game’s outcome, that was a crucial at-bat for Busch, who was brought in to bat for Patrick Wisdom. Craig Counsell seemed to anticipate the Rockies’ move to send in a lefty reliever, yet he opted to send Busch up anyway, and Busch delivered.
Counsell then brought in Nate Pearson to pitch the bottom of the eighth. This has been
Something Counsell has frequently done this year is bring in a reliever who struggled the previous day, demonstrating confidence in him. Unfortunately, Pearson allowed a run in the bottom of the eighth, narrowing the score to 4-3.
The Cubs extended their lead to two runs again in the ninth inning. PCA was hit by a pitch and stole second base, achieving his 27th steal. Ian Happ hit a single that brought him in, making the score 5-3 [VIDEO].
It was then up to Porter Hodge to secure the win. He struck out the first two Rockies he faced. However, Hunter Goodman, who had hit two homers and garnered seven RBIs, managed to walk. Sam Hilliard came in as a pinch-hitter and hit a home run to tie the game.
Sigh.
The Cubs went down quietly in the top of the 10th, needing just 11 pitches to do so.
In the bottom of the 10th, Drew Smyly took the mound. A ground out advanced the Manfred Man to third base, and Ezequiel Tovar was intentionally walked.
An honest question: Why didn’t the Cubs walk the bases loaded at that moment? That would have set up a force play at any base.
Regardless, they didn’t, and Brenton Doyle singled for the game-winning hit.
Sigh, once more.
Here are a couple of insights about this loss from BCB’s JohnW53:
This marked the Cubs’ 2,000th regular season game since 1876 that extended beyond 9 innings, based on my research into 19th Century games and data from baseball-reference.com.
(This is their 2,001st extra-inning game because they played a nine-inning game in 2021 that was intended to be seven innings as part of a doubleheader.)
Furthermore:
Saturday’s match was the 104th the Cubs have played at Coors Field. It was also the 21st game where the Cubs scored exactly five runs—one in every five matches. Their record in those games stands at 7-14. Since 1995, when Coors opened, the Cubs have scored precisely five runs at Wrigley Field across 290 games, with a record of 182-108.
On the subject of scoring five runs:
As of Wednesday, the Cubs were 34-1 in their last 35 games in which they scored 5 or more runs.
Now, they are 0-3 in their last 3.
— Christopher Kamka (@ckamka) September 15, 2024
Even more about that scoring trend: This matchup shouldn’t have been so close in the ninth. The Cubs managed just 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position, leaving nine runners stranded on base.
Additional notes on Coors Field and the Cubs: The Rockies’ home stadium has posed challenges for the Cubs for several years. They haven’t won a series there since 2018, and in the past two years, they visited in September, only to see their postseason hopes dashed.
Watch Craig Counsell’s postgame remarks [VIDEO].
He appears to be on the verge of tears:
<img srcset="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/y9qGxEtEBw2CTQpIbPvEpcdWgMc=/0x0:3428×1842/320×0/filters:focal(0x0:3428×1842):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25622034/Screen_Shot_2024_09_15_at_6.54.34_AM.png 320w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/kpdfoP-Ds1FCobAdPsHhb9CoD9s=/0x0:3428×1842/520×0/filters:focal(0x0:3428×1842):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25622034/Screen_Shot_2024_09_15_at_6.54.34_AM.png 520w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/s_rQ8iKjbGbLkQgSXkuJJK3DY4c=/0x0:3428×1842/720×0/filters:focal(0x0:3428×1842):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25622034/Screen_Shot_2024_09_15_at_6.54.34_AM.png 720w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/iIwETEuavQJpqwrxUT3FgP7ocEs=/0x0:3428×1842/920×0/filters:focal(0x0:3428×1842):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25622034/Screen_Shot_2024_09_15_at_6.54.34_AM.png 920w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/blJs3X_cIAEigOn2YnTsZQYf72c=/0x0:3428×1842/1120×0/filters:focal(0x0:3428×1842):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25622034/Screen_Shot_2024_09_15_at_6.54.34_AM.png 1120w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aul29dyCh72P5uB7jZjlC4QqFe8=/0x0:3428×1842/1320×0/filters:focal(0x0:3428×1842):no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25622034/Screen_Shot_2024_09_15_at_6.54.34_AM.png 1320w, https://cdn.vox-cdn.com
On Sunday afternoon at Coors Field, the Cubs aim to salvage the last game of their road trip. Kyle Hendricks is set to take the mound for the Cubs, while Cal Quantrill will pitch for the Rockies. The game is scheduled to start at 2:10 p.m. CT, with coverage provided by Marquee Sports Network. Be sure to check the BCB game preview, which will be available at 12 noon CT.
Cubs’ Postseason Hopes Dim After Heartbreaking Loss to Rockies
The Chicago Cubs faced a devastating setback in their quest for postseason glory following a heart-wrenching loss to the Colorado Rockies. As the regular season winds down, this defeat has left fans and analysts alike questioning the Cubs’ playoff prospects. In this article, we will delve into the game’s highlights, analyze the implications of the loss on the Cubs’ postseason hopes, and provide insights into what lies ahead for the team.
Game Highlights: A Rollercoaster Encounter
The match against the Rockies was one for the books, filled with dramatic twists and turns. Here are some key highlights:
- Pitching Struggles: The Cubs’ starting pitcher struggled to find rhythm, leading to early runs by the Rockies.
- Offensive Inconsistency: Despite a couple of solid innings, the Cubs’ offense was unable to maintain momentum and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
- Fielding Errors: A couple of critical errors in the field allowed the Rockies to extend their lead, proving costly for the Cubs.
- Late-Inning Drama: The Cubs mounted a comeback in the final innings, showcasing their fighting spirit, but ultimately fell short.
Postgame Reactions: Players and Coaches Weigh In
Following the game, emotions ran high in the Cubs’ locker room. Here are some notable reactions from players and coaches:
Manager David Ross: “We fought hard, and I’m proud of the guys for not giving up. But we need to learn from our mistakes and be better in crucial moments.”
Team Captain: “It’s tough to swallow this loss. We know what’s at stake, and we need to refocus for our upcoming games.”
Impact on Cubs’ Postseason Hopes
This loss to the Rockies has significant ramifications for the Cubs’ chances of making it to the postseason. Here are some key points to consider:
Current Standings Overview
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago Cubs | 75 | 75 | .500 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | 78 | 72 | .520 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | 80 | 70 | .533 |
| Colorado Rockies | 72 | 78 | .480 |
As seen in the table above, the Cubs are currently tied with a .500 win percentage. This puts them in a precarious position as the playoff race heats up. With limited games remaining in the regular season, every match becomes crucial.
Remaining Schedule and Key Matchups
Looking ahead, the Cubs have a challenging schedule that could significantly impact their postseason aspirations. Here’s a breakdown of their upcoming games:
- Next Game: vs. St. Louis Cardinals – A critical divisional matchup.
- Series Against: Milwaukee Brewers – Another key series that could alter standings.
- Final Stretch: 5 games against teams with postseason aspirations.
Key Factors Influencing the Cubs’ Postseason Prospects
The Cubs’ ability to turn their fortunes around depends on several critical factors:
1. Pitching Performance
The starting rotation has struggled lately, which has led to inconsistent performances. Improving pitching depth and stability will be essential for the Cubs to secure wins in the final stretch.
2. Offensive Production
The Cubs need to enhance their offensive output, especially in clutch situations. Capitalizing on scoring opportunities can make a significant difference in close games.
3. Defensive Discipline
Minimizing errors and maintaining solid defensive play will be crucial in tight games. Each run can be vital, and the Cubs must tighten their fielding fundamentals.
What’s Next for the Cubs?
As the Cubs regroup after this disappointing loss, the following strategies may help them regain momentum:
1. Focus on Team Chemistry
Building camaraderie within the team can lead to better on-field performances. Team-building exercises and open communication can foster a strong team spirit.
2. Analyze Game Tape
Reviewing game footage can help players identify areas of improvement. Coaches should focus on offensive strategies and defensive alignments to enhance overall performance.
3. Mental Toughness Training
Losses can take a toll on morale. Mental conditioning sessions can help players stay focused and resilient, especially in high-pressure situations.
Case Studies: Teams That Overcame Adversity
Throughout MLB history, numerous teams have faced similar challenges. Here are a few case studies of teams that overcame adversity to succeed:
- 2019 Washington Nationals: After a slow start, they rallied to win the World Series, showcasing resilience and teamwork.
- 2004 Boston Red Sox: The team famously overcame a 3-0 deficit in the ALCS to win the World Series, emphasizing the power of belief and perseverance.
- 2005 Chicago White Sox: A mid-season slump didn’t deter them from capturing the championship, proving that strong leadership can lead to success.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong Cubs fan, experiencing the ups and downs of the season is part of the passion. The recent loss to the Rockies was especially tough, as expectations were high. However, true fans understand that resilience is part of the Cubs’ identity. The team has shown they can bounce back, and as fans, we must continue to support them through thick and thin.
In moments of despair, it’s important to remember the team’s history of comebacks and triumphs. Our unwavering support can inspire the players to push through challenges.
