Chicago Cubs: Offensive inconsistency a major concern for reigning champs

PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 11: Starting pitcher John Lackey #41 of the Chicago Cubs pitches against the Arizona Diamondbacks during the first inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 11, 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The second half has brought more of the same

Play resumed following the All-Star break on July 14, leaving 16 games on the schedule in the month of July. Despite their struggles in the first half, the Cubs posted a 13-3 record to end July, propelling them back to the top of the NL Central.

After finishing the month of July on a strong note, the Cubs seemed to keep things rolling into August by scoring 16 runs against the Diamondbacks on Aug. 1. Despite hitting .425 as a team in the 16-4 rout, the Cubs’ bats fell cold, notching only three hits in a 3-0 loss the following day.

Perhaps the most recent example of this problem that has plagued the Cubs for most of the season came just last week. On Friday, the Cubs produced 11 hits and rode a strong start from John Lackey to beat the Diamondbacks 8-3.

The following day, Saturday, the Cubs strung together nine hits, but failed to score until the ninth inning, losing 6-2.

The second half has brought more of the same

Schedule