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Chicago Cubs: Offensive power outage continues out west
The Chicago Cubs picked up with game two of their series out in Los Angeles, but the offense wasn’t able to get back on track against Brandon McCarthy.
A lot has been made about Chicago Cubs‘ pitcher Jake Arrieta‘s career versus California teams, and particularly against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Coming off the loss Friday night, the Cubs turned to John Lackey who has been good in his own right against Dodger Blue in his career.
#Cubs Lackey is 7-4 with a 1.84 ERA (19 ER / 93 IP) in 14 career starts vs. the Dodgers (includes postseason)
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) May 27, 2017
Looking for redemption
Lackey, who struck out 10 in a loss against the Dodgers in April, was also looking for the bounce-back following a loss to the San Francisco Giants last Monday night.
After skating around a walk and error by Addison Russell through the first two innings, Lackey settled in with three-straight strikeouts in the third. However, after getting two quick outs in the fourth, Enrique Hernandez doubled and Chase Utley came through with a two-out RBI single.
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A walk to opposing starter Brandon McCarthy was an ominous start for Lackey to open the fifth.
Chris Taylor made him pay with the two-run home run to put the Dodgers ahead 3-0. Later in the inning, Utley, again with two outs, delivered the bases-loaded blow.
Brian Duensing, Pedro Strop and Hector Rondon worked scoreless innings in relief.
Bats gone cold
After a scorching homestand offensively, the Cubs have yet to find that same success in L.A.
With only two hits Friday night, the Cubs matched that total through the first seven against McCarthy. The Dodger righty had struggled against lineups after the first three innings this season.
In the eighth, the Cubs had runners on first and second with one out but failed to do anything. Losing 5-0, it’s the first time since 2014 Chicago has been shutout in back-to-back games.
Chicago has only had five hits through the two games so far.
Next: Kris Bryant will win another MVP award in 2017
What’s Next
Sunday is the season finale between both teams with first pitch at 3:10 p.m. CT.
Left-hander Jon Lester (3-2, 3.19 ERA) pitches for the Cubs opposing Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw (7-2, 2.01 ERA) from Dodger Stadium.