Chicago Cubs News: Jon Lester struggles as Jason Heyward stays hot

Veteran Jon Lester struggled mightily as the Chicago Cubs fell to the Pittsburgh Pirates Wednesday; meanwhile, Jason Heyward opened up about 2016.

It was a forgettable night at the ballpark for the Chicago Cubs and veteran ace Jon Lester. After serving up six hits to the first 11 Pittsburgh Pirates hitters, the team was unable to recover and settled for 2-of-3 from the division-rival Bucs.

The first two innings were rough for the southpaw and Anthony Rizzo‘s four-RBI night couldn’t dig the Cubs out of the early hole. Again, clutch hitting issues plagued the team, as Chicago went 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position Wednesday.

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• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

At Cubbies Crib, with staff spanning the entire United States, we delved into what it’s like to root for the reigning World Series champions. There has been different reactions across the country to the team being a winner.

Some people are overjoyed, like the Wrigleyville faithful in Chicago, while other parts of the country have a distaste for the club and its fans.

Jason Heyward opened up to ESPN about his wrist injury last season. Previously, he never acknowledged any impactful injury. Despite struggling the entire year, putting up poor numbers, he worked through it.

But, one month in, he’s enjoying real success, silencing doubters and adding another element to the Chicago lineup.

Around the league

What’s it like to be a Cubs fan where you live? – Cubbies Crib

Starting rotation among baseball’s worst to open year – Cubbies Crib

Heyward puts bad habits, worst days, behind him – ESPN

Hendricks’ velocity a key to his success in 2017 – Cubbies Crib

Lester struggles, Rizzo homers in finale loss – Cubbies Crib

Next: Heyward doing a lot of good things right now

What’s Next:

Following Wednesday’s series finale in the Steel City, the Cubs travel to Boston. In a historic matchup at Fenway Park, the Red Sox and Cubs open a series Friday night.

Jake Arrieta takes the ball for Chicago and Boston’s starter is TBD.