Many thought the Chicago Cubs had a chance to get back on track by playing the worst team in the National League this week. Boy, how things change.
After dropping the series opener in San Diego by a 5-3 final on Memorial Day, not much changed on Tuesday. The offense struggled again, as the Chicago Cubs dropped a season-worst fifth-straight game in a 6-2 loss at Petco Park.
As was the story again tonight, like it has been for a lot of the season, Chicago starting pitching struggled again. The Cubs jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the top of the second inning, on back-to-back doubles by Jason Heyward and Willson Contreras. The lead didn’t last long, as Austin Hedges hit a long two-run home run in the bottom of the inning.
More from Chicago Cubs News
- Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
- Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
- Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
- Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups
- Cubs: P.J. Higgins deserves to be in the lineup on a daily basis
The score remained 2-1 until the fifth inning. Struggling slugger Kyle Schwarber launched a game-tying home run to tie the game.
In the bottom of the inning, a pair of two-run doubles made it 6-2 Padres, which was the final margin of victory.
Chicago (25-26) once again struggled on offense, mustering just six hits and striking out 13 times. The team left nine men on base and went just 1-for-7 with RISP.
As a team, the Cubs are now 2 for their last 31 with runners in scoring position, which could tell the story of this entire road trip, really. In a bit of a role reversal, the Cubs will try to avoid the sweep by the Padres tomorrow.
Next: Cubs' Jon Jay becoming valuable trade chip
What’s Next:
John Lackey takes the ball against Luis Perdomo, with first pitch set for 2:40 p.m. After Wednesday’s finale, the Cubs get an off-day on Thursday before coming back home to Wrigley to begin a three-game set against the Cardinals.