Chicago Cubs News: Rally falls short; Signing Duensing was right move

CHICAGO, IL - JULY 04: A general view of the field during the national anthem in Independence Day celebrations before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays on July 4, 2017 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 04: A general view of the field during the national anthem in Independence Day celebrations before the game between the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays on July 4, 2017 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images)

The Chicago Cubs came up short against the Tampa Bay Rays as the 9th inning rally wasn’t enough. A strange fourth inning led to five runs as the Rays took the win on the 4th of July.

With two balls deflected by the Chicago Cubs Jon Lester and the Rays’ Chris Archer getting his first hit–in his career–it was just that kind of day for the Cubs. The Cubs got on the board first as Jason Heyward drove in Ian Happ who just missed a home run, ending u with a triple. But the fourth inning for the Rays included Archer’s first hit, a throwing error from Willson Contreras and two balls deflected off Lester that ended up leading to a five-run inning.

When the Cubs allowed Travis Wood to walk, it wasn’t an easy decision. But the Cubs decided to sign Brian Duensing instead, and that’s turned out to be a smart move for them. With Wood looking for the chance to start, the Cubs signed Duensing while still offering a contract to Wood. If the Cubs were to lose him, they needed to have a lefty to replace him, and Duensing–through the first three months–has done a fantastic job.

The Cubs managed to get only one player on the All-Star team this year as Wade Davis was the only selection. Kris Bryant is part of the final five vote, but let’s be honest, only Davis deserved it. After having seven last year in a historic season, the Cubs will have a chance to get some rest and just enjoy the festivities. That might be the best thing for the Cubs right now as they’re one game under .500 again.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Rough inning spells doom for Lester, Cubs’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Cubs signing of Duensing has turned out well’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Davis is the Cubs only true All-Star’ – Cubbies Crib

‘The curious case of Arrieta’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Contreras has been thrust into a leader role’ – Cubbies Crib

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