Chicago Cubs: Poor defense trumps Bryant’s home run in loss to Reds

Cubs drop series to Reds; Many questions accumulating down the stretch

It took less than an inning for the Chicago Cubs’ Kris Bryant to go from hero to goat in the team’s 7-4 loss to the Reds. After hitting a game-tying two-run home run, Bryant allowed a ball go right through the wickets–which would have been the final out of the inning. Instead, Joey Votto got a chance off of Hector Rondon and didn’t miss it–giving the Reds the 7-4 lead and eventual win.

Many will point to another sub-par start from Jason Hammel, although today’s was a little bit better than some recent outings. And the bullpen allowed three of heir own. But Rondon should have never had to pitch to Votto, at least with two men on. Walks and errors late in games will hurt you, and the Cubs saw that first hand in this Cincinnati series.

Two rookies that made their debut last season are currently headed in different directions as this season moves towards it’s final days. Javier Baez returned this week in hopes of helping the Cubs in their playoff hunt, but also hoping to win the second base job which currently has no owner.

On the other hand, Jorge Soler has had a solid season, but now just simply hopes he can return before season’s end as an oblique injury will keep hm out an undetermined amount of time. The good news for the Cubs is with September call-ups, reinforcement arrived. The bad news is Soler’s bat was a big part of this offense, and his absence has indeed been noticeable.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs rally but Votto’s home run wins it for the Reds’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Soler remains determined to make an impact’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Will Baez be the Cubs savior at second base?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Schwarber’s injury update’ – Bleacher Report

‘Pimental named PCL Pitcher of the Year’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Locke struggles as Pirates fall to Brewers’ – Rum Bunter

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