Chicago Cubs don’t show much life in 3-1 loss to White Sox

The Cubs-Sox series is always full of surprises, and the Sox surprised the Chicago Cubs with a 3-1 win behind a gem from Miguel Gonzalez.

The Chicago Cubs were riding high, having won eight of nine heading into a four game series against the White Sox. The Sox, in the midst of a rebuild, have lost nine straight with minimal talent left on the major league roster. However, things were different today, as the Sox outplayed the Cubs in a 3-1 win.

Pitching

Pitching was the story of the game for both teams in this one. Miguel Gonzalez came in with an ERA of near 5.00 but the Cubs did not have a good approach against the righty. Gonzalez went seven innings, allowing just one run on a RBI ground-out by Kyle Hendricks. Gonzalez pitched his best game since April and it was the first time in over a month that a Sox pitcher pitched into the seventh inning.

Hendricks made his return to the rotation after missing seven weeks and pitched a solid outing. Hendricks wasn’t quite as sharp, but that’s expected after missing seven weeks. The White Sox made solid contact of Hendricks most of the game, but his defense backed him up. Overall, a great effort for Hendricks.

Offense

There was very little offense in this game. The Sox were able to get a pair of solo homers to power them to the win, but the Cubs had their chances. With two on and nobody out in the seventh, the Cubs were unable to score after Ian Happ struck out, Jason Heyward popped out and Rizzo flew out with the bases loaded. Outside of the rally in the seventh, and one more opportunity in the eighth, the Cubs were unable to do much. With the Brewers off today, the Cubs had a chance to take sole possession of first place. They fall back to half a game out.

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What’s Next?

The series continues tomorrow as John Lackey (6-9, 5.04 ERA) goes to the mound against Carlos Rodon (1-3, 5.75 ERA). First pitch is again set for 1:20 pm on CSN-Chicago (Cubs broadcast) and WGN (Sox broadcast).