Chicago Cubs News: Offense goes cold in shutout loss to the Marlins

Jun 23, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) forces out Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) at second base turn the double play to end the game at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Marlins second baseman Dee Gordon (9) forces out Chicago Cubs second baseman Javier Baez (9) at second base turn the double play to end the game at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After an impressive showing on Thursday, the Chicago Cubs offense couldn’t replicate it as they were shutout by the Marlins on Friday. Ian Happ stayed hot with another two-hit game, but that was all the excitement the offense would have.

The Chicago CubsJohn Lackey can’t be faulted for this one. After allowing a long home run to Giancarlo Stanton (who does that to everyone), Lackey allowed just one more unearned run in a 2-0 loss to the Marlins. The Cubs outhit the Fish six to three but watched several of those opportunities wiped away by the double play. The Cubs hit into three of them, two by Albert Almora. Marlins’ starter Jose Urena was never pressured as he improved to 6-2 on the year.

The Cubs’ Ian Happ had another solid performance with two hits to follow up his four-hit game in the opener. He’s raised his average to .254 while leading the team (although, he currently lacks enough at-bats) in OPS with a .926. For a prospect that at the beginning of the year that many–including the Cubbies Crib staff–felt would be a better trade chip. I think Happ may be serving up some delicious crow to eat.

While the offense has their struggles, the overall impression is that they’ll eventually come around. Many are already showing progress (Willson Contreras, Addison Russell) at the plate. The word of the day is pitching. Starting and other. So is there a possibility that the Cubs could reunite with former Cub Travis Wood? Ignore his numbers in KC. This Chris Coghlan. His best numbers came as a member of the Cubs. Could that be the same for Wood?

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs blanked by Marlins in loss’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Happ performing well in first MLB stint’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Evaluating a possible return of Travis Wood’ – Cubbies Crib

‘King Felix returns in Seattle win over Astros’ – MLB.com

‘Royals won’t sell their stars at deadline’ – ESPN

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