Chicago Cubs struggle to drive in runs-lose 5-1 to Rockies

Cubs continue to waste opportunities with runners on

The Chicago Cubs had their chances today early on with Rockies starter Tyler Matzek who had some command trouble in his outing.  But the Cubs couldn’t make the pitcher pay for his troubles.  

The Cubs had the bases loaded in the top of the second with a Mike Olt single, a one-out walk to Welington Castillo and a two-out walk to Arismendy Alcantara.  Dexter Fowler ended the inning with a grounder to short and the Cubs would strand three.

The Rockies got on the board first in the bottom on the second when former Cub DJ LeMahieu hit an RBI single to center scoring pitcher Matzek – who doubled the at-bat before.

The Cubs answered back in the top of the third.  Jorge Soler hit a broken-bat flare to start off the inning, followed by Anthony Rizzo who was hit for the second time in the game.  Starlin Castro singled to the right side to load the bases for Olt.

Olt grounded into a force out to third where the Rockies would top Soler from scoring but still leaving the bases loaded with one out.

Matt Szczur drilled a deep sacrifice fly scoring Rizzo to tie the game up at 1-1.  Castro and Olt tagged up but with Castillo up next – he would swing at the first pitch and pop out to end the inning.

Back-to-back innings of ducks on the pond and the Cubs could only score a single run.  It is as frustrating of a situation as you can have in baseball.

Travis Wood on the other hand was kind of a bright spot for the Cubs.  Even with his team unable to support him – he was able to keep the game close until the bottom of the fifth.

With one out in the inning, Wood gave up a single to LeMahieu and a walk to Corey Dickerson.  With one out and two on for Rockies all-star Troy Tulowitzki at the plate, the Rockies would capitalize on their opportunity with a double to the corner of left-field.  Both runners would score on the hit – Rockies go up now 3-1.

Szczur was playing way off the line in left for what reason I don’t know; if he was closer to the line maybe only one score.

Wood wouldn’t finish the fifth as he was replaced by Jason Motte for the last out of the inning.  He’d finish the game going 4.2 innings, giving up seven hits, three runs, two walks, but he did strike out five.  His command was very good – having 59 of his 90 pitches for strikes.

The Rockies would add two more runs in the sixth – Brian Schlitter gave up a solo home run to pinch-hitter Justin Morneau and Dickinson would hit an RBI single to score Charlie Blackmon for a 5-1 score.

That is where the score would stand for the remainder of the game – as the Rockies start the season off 4-0 for the first time since 1995 – tying their franchise record for starting the season.

Rockies reliever Christian Bergman got the win in his one inning of work replacing Matzek who was in a jam in the fifth inning.

As for the Cubs, they fall to 1-2 on the season and Travis Wood gets the loss for the team.

What Stood Out:  

The Cubs lack of hitting with runners on sticks out like a sore thumb.  They left nine runners on base and were 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position. This is a bad start for an offense that was expected to score plenty of runs for their pitchers.

While it’s still early and you don’t want to read too much into it – it still is rough to watch the team struggle as much as they are with the opportunities they have been presented.

Travis Wood did well, but his pitch count did get high which led to his early exit.  His command was very good which was a pleasant sight.

Edwin Jackson came into the game and pitched well in his 1.2 innings pitched – striking out one and giving up one hit.  Maybe the new role will suit him well and he will have value to the team in this spot.

What is Next:

The Chicago Cubs will have to shake this one off and get ready for tomorrow night’s game as the undefeated Rockies will put Kyle Kendrick (1-0, 0.00) on the mound against former Rockies pitcher Jason Hammel.

This will be Hammel’s first start of the season for the Cubs who look to even up the series and their record to start off the season.

Kendrick’s is coming off a seven-inning shutout performance against the Brewers.

The game time is set for 7:10 CT tomorrow night.

Next: Cubs: Grim to the 15-day DL, Schlitter Called Up