Chicago Cubs News: Russell, Cubs rally but still fall to Braves to end homestand

Following their second postponed match-up of the season, the Chicago Cubs went back to work in hopes of sweeping another short two-game set. While their offense was silenced early on, shortstop Addison Russell had a bit of trouble on defense.

Aside from Addison Russell’s third error, veteran right-hander John Lackey pitched an excellent game. For the first time in a Chicago Cubs uniform, Lackey worked through eight innings, holding the visiting Atlanta Braves to three hits, three runs, two earned while issuing three walks and striking out two batters.

Atlanta scored the first three runs of the ballgame during the top half of the fifth and sixth innings. Russell, who was responsible for allowing a run to cross home plate in the sixth, redeemed himself with an RBI base knock during the home half of the ninth inning. This tied things up at three, putting the Cubs in extra innings for the first time this year.

Remember, last season, the Chicago Cubs led the league with around 13 walk-off wins. Former Cubs infielder, Starlin Castro had back-to-back walk-off hits in 2015.

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This time around, the Cubs would not have themselves their first walk-off moment to begin the month of May. First baseman Anthony Rizzo drove a pitch out to left field that was reeled in by outfielder Jeff Francoeur.

Now that their second home stand has ended, the 17-6 North Siders are currently on their way to Pittsburgh to take on the Pirates. Pittsburgh trails the Cubs by only three games in the National League Central, so it’s important for the visiting team to claim two of the three.

After they wrap up that three-game set, they’ll return to Chicago for a four-game series with Bryce Harper and the Washington Nationals. Former Cubs skipper, Dusty Baker is the captain of that ship.

Here are a few stories you may have missed over the weekend:

‘Cubs rally but fall to Braves 4-3 in 10 innings‘

‘Cubs: Hammel is proving everyone wrong‘

‘Cubs: Don’t fret about Arrieta’s contract‘

‘Cubs: Simulating the month of May 2016‘

‘Reds place Raisel Iglesias on DL‘ – Fantasy Baseball Crackerjacks

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