Chicago Cubs blanked by the Atlanta Braves in series opener

It came down to one balk for the Chicago Cubs Yu Darvish, and it all fell apart from there. It led to a four-run inning from the Atlanta Braves that was all they needed.

When it came to the balk from Chicago Cubs‘ Yu Darvish, no one could believe it. Even the Atlanta Braves announcer has said that there was almost “no way” you could commit a balk to second base. Well, he did. What would follow was a wild pitch, a single, a double and a home run from Preston Tucker that was the deciding factor in the game. It was a tough outing for Darvish. But for the Cubs’ offense struggled mightily, and couldn’t come up with any runs as they were blanked by the Braves.

The balk in question was one that, in most cases, isn’t called any other time. So why call it now? But it did seem to unravel Darvish, and it all came apart for him from there. Darvish was beside himself, and Joe Maddon came out for an explanation. Unfortunately, you can’t argue a balk. You can see it here:

Not a balk, but we scored NOTHING

I have to be honest. I don’t see it. It is a questionable call. But if you aren’t going to call it any one time, now isn’t it. But that said, the Cubs were unable to score against Anibal Sanchez. This was an embarrassment for the Cubs on offense.

The Cubs managed only four hits against Sanchez as he mystified them all game. It wasn’t “one guy”. This was a whole team effort to fail, and it worked out. The Cubs are missing Anthony Rizzo, that much is for sure. But they need to put together some good at-bats and beat these teams that they should beat. Going 6-7 through 13 isn’t going to cut it.

Next: Don't hit the panic button just yet

The Cubs will go at it once again, sending Jose Quintana (1-1, 4.50) to face Sean Newcomb (1-1, 4.35). The Cubs need this game as it will help them stay close to .500 on the year. We came back from last season. But we don’t want another “last season.”