Series 7 Brewers at Cubs

    Game 1

    Hendricks gave up a hit and then a wild pitch got him to second to start the game. After that, he looked rock solid until he gave up two solo homers in the 6th. By that point, the game was in hand thanks to a surging offense. The Cubs started early with 6 runs in the first off of 6 hits that included 4 doubles. The highlight was a bases-loaded double from Marisnick that cleared the bases. They added 4 more in the second from two solo shots from Rizzo and Baez and a triple from Heyward. Marisnick added a solo shot in the 4th and the Cubs had 11 runs before the Brewers could get started. After the Brewers got their 2 in the 6th the Cubs responded again for 4 of their own. Romine got a double to score a run and then Contreras joined the party with a 3 run homer of his own. That finished the scoring with the Cubs blasting the Brewers 15-2. Kyle Ryan and Dillon Maples closed out the Brewers with good showings from the pen and the Cubs stayed hot.

    Game 2

    Alzolay let the first 2 batters reach before getting an out on a sac fly. He got out of the jam with a strikeout and lineout to end the inning. The Cubs got 2 runs in the 2nd when Hoerner hit another double to drive home Heyward and Sogard. Alzolay was rolling until the 5th. He left when 2 outs and men on first and third. Brothers came in and gave up 2 runs on a bases-loaded walk and hit by pitch. Chafin then gave up a 2 run homer in the seventh. The Cubs would get a run back in the eighth on a Heyward homer. Ross would get ejected after a terrible strike call on Marisnick as the Cubs were trying to make a comeback in the ninth. That would end the scoring as the Brewers eked out a 4-3 victory.

    Game 3

     The first 4 batters of the game reached for the Brewers in the first but Arrieta limited the damage to only 1 run which kept the Cubs in the game. Both pitchers were sharp after that as the Cubs had an opportunity in the fourth with first and second and no outs but could finish it off. Arrieta got 15 straight outs after the first 4 batters until he ran into trouble in the sixth again. A walk and a Baez error gave the BRewers first and third with no one out. Arrieta maneuvered his way through and came out unscathed. They went on without either team scoring until the ninth when the Brewers broke it open with 5 runs. The Cubs whimpered away in the ninth and lost the game and series.

    The good

    Game 1 was a lot of fun and continued to show the offense is capable of scoring runs in bunches. All three starters looked solid even with Alzolay getting the quick hook in his start. Hoerner has come back looking strong and ready to contribute to a weak offense. Seeing Kyle Ryan throw well in his return is encouraging as well along with Mills having a solid multi-inning outing in game 3.

    The bad

    Losing a series to the team right ahead of you is not a good look. The offense disappeared after a strong first game and the bullpen blew a lead in game 2 and let game 3 get out of hand in the ninth. Woodruff also looks like he has the Cubs number and he could be torturing us for years to come. The Brewers' peen also dominated and they look like a strong early leader for division favorite.

    Looking ahead

    Another series with the Braves is up next. Getting some momentum back and winning another series would be huge. The offense will need to be more consistent moving forward as they seem to have broken out of the early slump a bit. Now to get consistent and manufacture runs when the homers aren't coming.

Series 6 Mets at Cubs

    Game 1

    Both pitchers started off looking good in this one. The conditions were pitching friendly and they took advantage. The Mets gifted the Cubs a run in the 3rd. Sogard walked was sacrificed to second and then Davis made an error on a routine grounder that gave the Cubs the lead. The Cubs would get 2 more runs in the 4th when Heyward got a hit, stole second, and scored on Sogards single to left-center. The Cubs then loaded the bases and Contreras walked to get another run before Rizzo struck out to end the threat. The Mets would get a run back in the 5th when Davis redeemed himself with a long solo homer. That would be Arrieta's last inning as he had another solid start with 1 run in 5 innings. The bullpen held the Mets down and Kimbrel was nervy for the first time but got out of a bases-loaded jam in the ninth with a strikeout and groundout.

    Game 2

    The Mets started off hot in this one. Lindor hit a solo shot in the first and Davis double drove in a run in the third. The Cubs went off in the fourth for 7 runs. Everyone got involved as they combined for 6 hits a walk while the Mets had 3 errors. Quite the inning with the 5th yielding 3 more runs for the Cubs after the Mets got 2 of their own on Alonso's 2 run homer. Then the Cubs got another 4 runs on a Baez Grand Slam! The Cubs added 2 runs on the 8th for good measure. Mills was solid from the pen with 3 scoreless innings as well as Miller adding a scoreless inning.

    Game 3

    The Cubs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third in this one. Contreras had an infield hit and Bryant had 2 run-scoring double. The Mets responded in the 4th with 2 runs on an Alonso homer. The teams traded zeros for a while as Williams had another solid outing with 2 runs in 5 innings. The Mets tied it up in the seventh though when Davis hit a double and Villar scored. Neither team could score as the Cubs blew a golden opportunity when Marisnick Tripled to lead off the eighth. Romine pooped out, while Happ and Contreras struck out. In the tenth Winkler got out of it without any runs after an early wild pitch getting a strikeout followed by a double play after walking two men to load the bases. In the bottom half of the inning, The Cubs got men on second and thirds following a sacrifice bunt by Bote. The Mets intentionally walked Sogard to load the bases and the Cubs would walk it off on Heyward's pinch-hit single to right!

    The good

    There was a lot of good in the Series. First off sweeping a contending team and getting back to .500. Also getting good starts from Arrieta and Williams continues to be encouraging as they have kept the team in close games. The offense was opportunistic in the bookends while exploding for 16 runs in the second game. The bullpen was solid with 3 runs in 14 innings combined. Getting a momentum of not only a series win but a sweep could be huge for this team going forward.

    The bad

    Davies start in the second game is discouraging. Lasting only 4 innings is not good enough going forward. The injury to Pederson is also not great. The outfield is a little thin now and hopefully can hold up while he's out. The offense was also not great overall with only 10 hits in the bookend games combined.

    Looking ahead

    The Cubs have a crucial series with the Brewers this weekend. The Brewers are the only team ahead of the Cubs in the standings and a series win would be big. That would close the gap and make the Cubs true contenders early in the season. The Cubs also don't have another off day until May 6th so the depth of the team will be tested during this stretch as every series is against a contending team.

Series 5 Braves at Cubs

    Game 1

    The Cubs started the game with a run in the 2nd inning on Sogards sacrifice fly. The Braves got a run back in the 3rd with d'Arnaud singling in Freeman. The 4th was where it got even worse. The Braves got 5 consecutive hits which gave them 3 runs to give them the lead for good. The Cubs got a consolation run with a Contreras homer in the 5th. The Cubs had multiple opportunities to get back into the game but squandered those opportunities going 0-8 with runners in scoring position. The Braves tacked on an insurance run for good measure in the seventh and the game ended 5-2 Braves.

    Game 2

    That was cathartic. The Cubs' offense finally had itself a game. 14 hits, 13 runs, and 6 home runs. This game was such a relief and showed the potential of this offense when it is rolling. Contreras and Bryant each had 2 bombs with Baez and Bote adding the others. Pederson was the only starter without a hit, but he had 2 walks that resulted in 2 runs scored. Williams had a good start and while he ran into trouble in the 6th it resulted in one run in 5+ innings. The bullpen was solid other than Miller who had another disappointing outing giving up 3 runs on 3 hits and 2 walks in 1 inning. Hopefully, this will be the game that sparks the offense into life and gets the season going in a positive direction.

    Game 3

    Hendricks got the start and was abruptly smashed for 4 homers and 6 runs in the 1st. He lasted 4 innings with only 1 more run given up. Rizzo blasted one of his 2 homers in the first but the bullpen didn't help allowing 6 more runs to let the Braves run away with the game.

    The good

    Saturday was the kind of game the offense needed to have. The offense has potential and gave us hope. Rizzo hitting a couple of bombs on Sunday was also good to see. The bullpen had a couple of rough innings but Kimbrel still hasn't given up a run and they've been solid overall.

    The bad

    Outside of Saturday not much went right. The offense was a bit stale in the other games and both starters were rocked a bit. Even seeing Acuna have to leave the game hurts. He's on fire and the face of the game so injuries are never what you want to see. Hendricks was especially concerning after he got scratched and then got blasted in his start. He will need to be an anchor and he hasn't quite been that yet.

    Looking ahead

    The Cubs start a 3 game series against the Mets on Tuesday. The Mets have started hot and look to be a true contender this year. The Cubs will have to be on their A-game to have a chance. It's baseball though so anything is possible.

Series 4 Cubs at Brewers

    Game 1

    The first 5 innings looked promising. The offense was still stagnant but Alzolay was dominating. Bryant supplied a homer and all looked well. Then the sixth inning caught us. a couple of hits and Chafin getting rocked and the game was instantly out of hand. Altogether the Brewers scored 6 runs in that inning and 0 the rest of the game. The Cubs got a couple of consolation runs in the ninth but it was too little too late.

    Game 2

    Hendricks was a late scratch due to sickness and extreme caution with COVID. Mills stepped in brilliantly and provided 4 innings of 2 run ball. The offense was still stuck in park for most of the game though. Bryant hit a sac fly that got the Cubs on the board in the 4th and the big hit came in the 8th. Contreras hit a 2 run shot that was a no-doubter. He got his revenge for all the HBP he has taken from the Brewers in the best way. The bullpen would hold the lead as Kimbrel got a 4 out save to continue his stellar start to the year and the Cubs got the W.

    Game 3

    This was rough from the get-go. The Brewers got 2 early runs in the first. They got another in the third but Arrieta held them to only 3 in 5 innings as he tried to give the bullpen a little rest. Shelby Miller was called up and his debut was disastrous. With 2 hits and 3 outs, he was pulled before he recorded an out. 4 of the five batters he faced ended up scoring and the game was put to bed. The offense didn't do anything to inspire anyway. With only 4 hits and no walks they couldn't muster up any runs and they look like they need a jolt.

    The good

    Well not much good in this series honestly. It was nice to see Strop back pitching well along with most of the bullpen. Outside of two innings, the bullpen was solid again. Contreras blasting that homer after being hit was a pleasant sight as well.

    The bad

     The offense still can't get going at all and at this point it seems like it could be a season-long problem. Shelby Miller getting rocked in his debut is alarming especially since he's probably our 7th starter this year. Hendricks and the COVID problems are also concerning. This team is not deep enough to sustain a long absence because of COVID.

    Looking Ahead

    The Cubs get the Braves next and hopefully Hendricks will be able to make his next start. The Cubs need to find a way to take one of the next series. The offense will have to find something or the season could be a long one. It has helped that the pitching has been excellent and is keeping this team close enough to pounce once the offense heats up(if ever).

Series 3 Cubs at Pirates

    Game 1

    Finally some offense. Bryant started early with a homer in the first. The Brewers took the lead with 2 runs in the bottom of the fourth. The Cubs continued to get baserunners but couldn't convert until Baez scooped a low ball for a 2 run shot to give the Cubs the lead again in the top of the sixth. Rizzo added an insurance run in the top of the eighth with a solo blast. The Pirates loaded the bases with 3 walks in the bottom of the eighth. Then Kimbrel came on and got 5 outs in a row to shut that down and close the game.

    Game 2

    The Cubs got a run in the first but it was all downhill from there. Davies had a rough go in this one. The Pirates pounced on him for 7 runs in the second as he didn't finish the inning. The Bullpen held down the Pirates for the rest of the game but the damage was done. The Cubs got a late run but couldn't muster up enough to climb back into the game.

    Game 3

    Baez hit a homer in the second to take a brief 1-0 lead. Again it went downhill after that. Williams struggled through 3 and 1/3 innings giving up 5 earned runs. The Cubs' offense blew early chances with multiple runners on in the 3rd and 4th but didn't threaten after that. Again the bullpen did a good job keeping it in range until Tepera gave up a 2 run shot in the 7th to seal the game for the Pirates.

    The good

    The offense didn't produce enough runs but it started to move in the right direction. 24 hits in a series is solid and hopefully, they can improve on this initial performance. The long balls were flying as well with 4 in the series along with a couple of other extra-base hits. The bullpen continues to excel with 3 runs in 14 innings including a masterful 5 out save from Kimbrel. He got out of a bases-loaded jam and looks to be back at his best early this year. Arrieta was also a bright spot. He gave up some hits but held the Pirates to 2 runs in 6 innings to help the Cubs to their only win in the series.

    The bad

    Again the offense is nowhere to be found. There were times it seemed it was going to turn it around but overall it is not producing runs. They blew too many scoring chances with runners on base in this series. Also, the offense only drew 4 walks in the series and that cannot continue. The starting pitching was also disappointing in this series. Only Arrieta lasted at least 4 innings and by the time the others were out of the game, it was almost as good as done. This rotation will need to be more consistent to get the results this team wants.

    Looking Ahead

    The Cubs head to Milwaukee for their second series against the Brew Crew. They got a series win against St. Louis and are starting to roll. Taking 2 of 3 would be big and hopefully, the Cubs hit a little better against them this time. The next month is vitally important for the Cubs as they have 2 series against both the Brewers and Braves along with series against the Mets, Reds, and Dodgers. Keeping the record close to .500 or better will go a long way to competing in the division as the schedule lets up.

Series 2 Brewers at Cubs

    Game 1

    Williams came out strong and delivered another solid outing from our starters. After rolling through 6 innings he ran into trouble in the seventh. He came out with 2 runners on and they both scored on the Navarez home run. That wasn't enough for the Brewers as the Cubs had some homers of their own. Contreras, Baez, and Bote all went deep in the fourth. That was enough but they added an insurance run in the seventh.

    Game 2

    The less said about this game the better. Alzolay gave up a couple of early homers and that was pretty much it. The offense never got going with only 1 hit and 5 walks. They weren't in the game after the first. At least the bullpen was solid with 4 innings of scoreless ball with 8 strikeouts.

    Game 3

    Another game where the bats went missing. Hendricks was solid with 6 scoreless innings. The offense was completely absent though. Both teams had solo home runs to send the game to extra innings tied at 1. In the tenth Cain blasted another homer but a 3 run shot to give the Brewers a 4-1 lead. The Cubs managed a run in the bottom half to lose the rubber game 4-2.

    Overall performance

    Well, the offense was absent for most of the series. The pitching was solid and gave the team a chance in each game. The most concerning thing is hits. This team cannot get baserunners and that spells trouble for the season. The pitching is better than expected but will need to be near perfect until the offense decides to show up.

    The good

    Hendricks was solid in his second start and the bullpen pitched a lot of solid innings in the series. If the bullpen continues pitching this well there won't be many games the Cubs aren't in this year.

    The bad

    The offense. 4 hits in 2 games is never going to cut it. After a little power surge in game 1, there wasn't much to cheer about in the final 2 games. The pitchers allowed too many homers as well. 5 homers in the series accounted for all of the Brewers runs.

    Upcoming Series

    The Cubs go to Pittsburgh for their next series. After taking 2 of 3 from them to start the season the Cubs will look to get back on track against them. The Pirates got blasted by the Reds in their last series and look to be at the bottom of the NL Central. The Cubs need to win the series and take advantage of the Pirates still missing Hayes as well.

Series 1 Pirates at Cubs

    Game 1

    This game could not have started worse. A walk from Hendricks to the first batter and then Hayes hit a 2 run homer. It didn't get much better for Hendricks either. It took him 63 pitches to go 3 innings with 3 runs allowed. The bullpen did its best to keep the Cubs in the game allowing 2 runs in the last 6 innings. That wasn't enough as the Cubs could only muster 3 runs without many opportunities. Only getting 2 hits is not going to cut it.

    Game 2

    Arrieta gave up 2 hits and walk in the first as it looked like it could be another long day. Not so fast though because Arrieta was stellar after that. With 6 innings of one-run ball, he shut down the Pirate offense. With offense producing 5 runs, that was plenty for the first W of the season. Bryant and Heyward went deep while Baez dazzled with a couple of hits and a couple of stolen bases. Also encouraging was the performance from Kimbrel, striking out the side in the ninth.

    Game 3

    Davies made his first start with the Cubs and looked good. He rolled into the sixth without giving up a run and stumbled a bit at the end but 2 runs in 5 2/3 was another solid outing needed for this team. With 2 runs in the first, the Cubs would never give up the lead. Happ added a homer and Bryant scored an important insurance run after a double and a miscue by the Pirates defense. This game also saw another quality performance from Kimbrel going 1,2,3 with 2 K's in the ninth in a one-run game.

    Overall performance

    After the first game went sideways the Cubs recovered nicely. While Hendricks didn't have a solid outing both other starters did great. The offense produced enough to get a series win. While scoring 3, 5, and 4 runs isn't great it's nice to see them score a couple of runs by getting guys over and sacrificing to get the run. This is what has to continue for the offense to be successful.

    The good

    Bryant looks like he is locked in with a solid first series. He had 3 hits including a double and a homer and 3 walks. Kimbrel looked like the pitcher we thought we were getting at the beginning of the deal. He faced six batters and struck out 5 without giving up a baserunner. The starters other than Hendricks were impressive as well. Both going into the sixth at least and only 3 runs given up combined is great and what they need going forward. The bullpen also was strong with 3 runs in 12 and 1/3 innings. Getting walked and having quality at-bats was also good to see. Drawing 15 walks this series is huge and shows a commitment to help the team and wait for our pitches. Also, there were more productive outs in this series than we've seen from this offense recently which will hopefully continue. Winning a series against a division rival is always key and we go into next week tied atop the division. Lastly having fans back at Wrigley was a welcome sight even in a reduced capacity. They added to the vibe and will make this season hopefully seem more normal than last.

    The bad

    Hendricks start to the season was quite problematic. He walked 3 and only went 3 innings. He has to be the stud of the staff, so hopefully this is just a blip. Walks from the pitching staff was also an area of concern. The bullpen alone issued 9 walks in their 12 and 1/3 innings. Davies and Hendricks walked 3 each and that is just too many. We cannot give the other teams free baserunners at this rate and succeed. The offense as a whole was lackluster. 12 hits the entire series is abysmal. While getting free passes helps, you have to be able to get hits as well as an offense. As a team, the Cubs hit only .143 this series and that number will obviously not cut it in the long run. It's a testament to the pitching that the Cubs won 2 out 3 while hitting this poorly.

    Looking Ahead

    The next series is a 3 game homestead against the Brewers. The Brewers dropped 2 of 3 to the Twins and weren't impressive in many ways. Some of their role players stepped up to win their only game and were the biggest contributors in their series. The power was lacking and the pitching staff didn't deliver for them. This is an important series as the Brewers look to be a contender in the division. A series win would be nice and show that the Cubs are real and ready to fight for the division this year.