Chicago Cubs News: Kyle Hendricks struggles in 5-2 loss

Looking to make it five-straight wins and move 10 games above .500 on the year, the Chicago Cubs stumbled Wednesday night, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers by a 5-2 final.

Right-hander Kyle Hendricks was not sharp, surrendering two early home runs – one to first baseman Adrian Gonzalez and the other, a three-run shot, to Justin Turner.

That early hole proved too much for the Chicago Cubs to overcome and Joe Maddon‘s team lost ground in the National League Central as the St. Louis Cardinals topped Miami, 6-1.

The Cubs’ game ended on a controversial call when Chris Denorfia lined a ball hard off the left-field wall with two outs in the ninth.

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The relay throw to second appeared to be late, but the umpire called the Chicago outfielder out – and the ruling was upheld on the challenge.

In other big league news, San Francisco Giants catcher Buster Posey beefed up his All-Star Game resume, hitting a grand slam for the second time in five days and Ian Desmond helped the Washington Nationals walk-off over Atlanta.

Here at Cubbies Crib, we delved into the brief time former Chicago Cubs closer Rod Beck spent in the Windy City, as well as the role bench players have had so far this season.

“Cubs fall to Dodgers; will look for series win Thursday” – Cubbies Crib

“Heyward, Garcia lead Cardinals to win over Miami” – Redbird Rants

“Looking back at the career of Cubs’ Rod Beck” – Cubbies Crib

“Buster blasts slam as Giants top San Diego” – Around the Foghorn

“Role players doing their part for ’15 Chicago Cubs” – Cubbies Crib

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