Chicago Cubs News: Cubs drop pitchers duel; Happ turning it around?

The Chicago Cubs gave a good effort from Jon Lester, but the one from Trevor Bauer was better as the Cubs were beaten 4-1. And is Ian Happ finally turning the corner?

The Chicago Cubs dropped a tough one to the Cleveland Indians, 4-1. Jon Lester gave up three solo home runs, and then with Mike Montgomery on the hill, they allowed one more to cross the plate. The Cubs got a tally from Anthony Rizzo, scoring Ian Happ to make it 1-0. But it was all Indians from there, as Trevor Bauer was magnificent. He went 6 2/3 innings, allowing just one run on four hits, striking out eight. Brandon Guyer, Francisco Lindor and Edwin Encarnacion all went yard for the Indians.

It was a rough start for Happ. One minute, you’re hitting the leadoff home run for the Cubs. Then, you’re striking out half the time in your plate appearances. But it seems like he may have gotten himself off the mat, a bit. Granted, he did strike out three times last night. But he did manage to score the Cubs only run. But the biggest thing is Happ not hitting from the leadoff spot. That seems to be the key to all of it.

The Justin Wilson trade was–well, it wasn’t. Not so far, anyway. There’s still time to try and see if things will work out. Maybe just somewhere he can land and get his job done. But for now, it seems to be a lost cause as they try to work through it. Control issues have plagued him, and he doesn’t seem to be able to get past that. Maybe he’s just thrown one too many fastballs? Either way, the jury is out on Wilson–and it’s not good.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs come up short, split finale in Cleveland’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Is Happ starting to come along?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Was the Wilson trade worth it?’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Acuna scores first hit, run in Braves win’ – MLB.com

‘Surging Phillies realize how good they are’ – ESPN

#Cubs on Twitter

Next: Heyward's interesting start at the plate

Be sure to check back later today for more Cubs news and analysis! And follow us on our Twitter @CubbiesCrib, like our Facebook page and follow us on G+!