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.