Chicago Cubs haunted by errors in 3-2 loss to San Francisco

A Jake Arrieta wild pitch in the top of the 6th inning proved to be the difference today, allowing Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford to score from third for the go-ahead run. 

It was a battle of the aces as Chicago Cubs’ reigning NL Cy Young award winner Jake Arrieta (16-6, 2.84 ERA) took the mound against Giants lefty ace Madison Bumgarner (14-8, 2.51 ERA).

The Chicago Cubs (87-48) have won two one-run ball games in the first two games of the series against the Giants. While today was the same result- except they were on the losing end this time.

Both starters kept their teams in the game with stellar performances from each end. Arrieta went six strong innings giving up three runs (two earned) while striking out seven.

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Bumgarner looked even more impressive on this day while sitting down 10 cubs batters via the strikeout, only giving up two earned runs.

San Francisco (73-62) got the scoring started early in the first inning. Giants right fielder Hunter Pence reached on a throwing error by Cubs third basemen Tommy La Stella that scored Angel Pagan from third to give the Giants an early lead.

The Giants would get to Arrieta again in the fourth. Third Basemen Eduardo Nunez ripped a grounder into right field to score second baseman, Joe Panik.

Trouble

Chicago would get on the board in the fifth. Arrieta helped his own cause by hitting an infield single that scored Javier Baez from third. A wild pitch from Arrieta in the sixth inning allowed Brandon Crawford to score and take a 3-1 lead.

Joe Maddon‘s club got one back in the bottom half of the inning, but unfortunately, that’s as close as they would come on this day.

Errors were a problem for the Cubs, physically, and mentally. La Stella’s throwing error in the first inning was a costly play that allowed an unearned run to score. Then Arrieta’s wild pitch allowed another run to score via an error.

The Cubs had a legit chance to tie it up in the ninth. Anthony Rizzo drew a walk against Giants closer Santiago Casilla to reach as the tying run. Dexter Fowler would bunt over Rizzo, but he was stealing at the same time. He made a huge mental error and took a wide turn around second, and was thrown out trying to scurry back.

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Willson Contreras and Kris Bryant both collected two hits on the day for the Cubs, who ended their five game winning streak.

Four different Cubs played two different positions throughout the game.  As I’ve said in past articles, the versatility this lineup possesses is going to be critical come the postseason.

The Cubs will  look to win the series tomorrow in the finale of a four-game set against the Giants. First pitch is at 1:20 CT.

John Lackey(9-7, 3.41 ERA) will return to the Cubs rotation after spending time on the DL with a right shoulder strain.

the Giants will send Johnny Cueto(14-5, 2.98 ERA) to the mound.