Series 12 Cubs at Indians

    Game 1

    Alzolay was solid again in this outing. He lasted 6 innings with 3 runs allowed on 2 homers. The offense had chances in this game but couldn't produce enough clutch hits. The second inning was the inning that doomed them. After they had already scored 1 run they loaded the bases with no outs. Vargas would strikeout followed by Sogard grounding into a double play. Coming out of that with no runs would prove vital in a 1 run game. The Cubs would hit into 3 more double plays and blow multiple good chances including 2 on with one out in the ninth. The Indians got homers from Ramirez and Hernandez and that was enough.

    Game 2

    Another good start for Davies as he went 5 and 1/3 with only 1 run allowed. This game seemed like a repeat though as the Cubs created a lot of opportunities only to squander them over and over. The Cubs ended with 9 hits and 6 walks for 15 baserunners. While 7 of the hits came from Contreras and Pederson and Rizzo had 3 walks himself. Out of all of this, the Cubs could only get one run when Pederson hit an RBI double after Vargas had his double. The Indians would get a run back immediately on a Rosario double after Hernandez had doubled. The game would go to extras where the Cubs couldn't get a run as Vargas couldn't lay down a sac bunt. The Cubs would get 2 outs only for Rosario to get a single with the bases loaded to walk it off for the Indians.

    The good

     The amount of baserunners was definitely a positive for the offense. 15 baserunners in each game is great and shows that they are creating opportunities to score frequently. Both starters were solid in the series as Alzolay and Davies continue to look better as the season rolls along. Those two getting back on track will be important for the continued success of the team. The Bullpen was solid with only 1 run given up in extra innings for the whole series. Finding the right guys for the pen will be huge and it seems like that is starting to happen for the team.

    The bad

     Two close losses to a solid team always hurts. The lack of runs is concerning again as there were many opportunities. The Cubs hit an embarrassing 2-27 with RISP in the series and that's why they couldn't grab a W in either game. Bryant getting hit in Game 2 is concerning and hopefully he will be fine as he has been a top 5 player in the MLB so far this season. It seems as he'll be fine but even the fact he got hit and could have been hurt is scary for a team in need of offense.

     Looking ahead

     The Tigers series just became more important. The Cubs need to take at least 2 of 3 to keep the record close to .500. The Cubs should compete for the division but the Cardinals are hot right now. The Cubs need to keep within striking distance of them if they want a true chance at the division. The team seems to be taking shape and once it gets healthy I like their chances. While they are missing some key pieces it's important to stay competitive and beat teams like the Tigers though.