Chicago Cubs News: Cubs drop opener to Cards; Victorino released

 For the first time this season, the Chicago Cubs have dropped three games in a row. John Lackey pitched seven innings but gave up a game-tying home run to Matt Adams.

And soon after third baseman, Matt Carpenter pulled off the defensive play of the game by robbing Anthony Rizzo of a bloop single only to turn it into a double play, Randal Grichuk delivered in the ninth.

Grichuk hammered a pitch to deep right field, sending Cardinals fans into a frenzy as he rounded the bases and approaches his teammates who were waiting for him at the dish. Despite the loss, the Chicago Cubs are still in first place in the National League Central.

Now that Lackey made his appearance, Jason Hammel and Kyle Hendricks will handle the final two games of the series. Hopefully, they will be able to hold off this offense that battled back late in the game.

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In other news related to the Cubs, veteran outfielder Shane Victorino was released by the organization after spending the first two months of the season with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

Victorino was added to the roster along with Matt Murton who made the jump from Japan over to the states. Shane wasn’t expected to make the Opening Day roster but provided the club with depth in the outfield.

So far, the injury bug has hit that specific area on the depth chart. Kyle Schwarber had his season cut short during the first week of April when he collided with Dexter Fowler in left-center field.

And if that wasn’t enough, Jason Heyward missed a few games with a sore wrist and missed the disabled list after making a fantastic diving play this past Friday in the series opener against the San Francisco Giants.

Here are a few stories you may have missed:

‘Cubs lose to Grichuk’s walk-off homer in the 9th‘

‘Cubs: MLB rule changes could be coming‘

‘Cubs Minor League: Candelario shines‘

‘Down on the Phillies Pharm‘ – That Ball’s Outta Here

‘Rangers recall Gallo to the Majors’ – Fantasy Baseball Crackerjacks