Chicago Cubs rally falls short in 3-2 series opener loss to Cardinals

Looking to end a two-game skid, the Chicago Cubs made their way to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals. Things got dirty early on, resulting in the bullpen having to pick up the slack.

Not exactly how Joe Maddon and the Chicago Cubs wanted to start a three-game weekend series. Especially since they dropped their previous two games to the Colorado Rockies before hitting the road.

For southpaw Jose Quintana (3-2, 4.99 ERA), the night didn’t go as planned, lasting just four innings.  He struggled with his command, yielding three earned runs on five hits, four walks and as many strikeouts.

Definitely an off night for one of Chicago’s dependable starters but the offense could not get him out of an early 3-0 hole. Tommy Pham belted a three-run homer in the second, giving St. Louis the advantage.

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Looking through the lineup, Chicago managed to outhit the Cubs with their only two runs of the game coming in the ninth inning.

Leading the way were both Javier Baez and Albert Almora Jr. who went a combined 4-for-8 at the dish.

Almora got Chicago’s rally started with a single out to right fielder Dexter Fowler and would later come around to score on an RBI single off the bat of Tommy La Stella.

La Stella has proven to be a reliable bat for the Cubs in his years with the organization. However, the Cubs were unable to keep the rally going, falling short 3-2.

What needs to change?

If the Cubs are hoping to walk away with this series, they’re going to need to wake up offensively. Prior to May’s bumpy start, Chicago outscored opponents 12-4 before Colorado silenced their bats.

Aside from Baez (also had a throwing error) and Almora (add another defensive play to his highlight reel), the rest of the order strung together only five hits while Kyle Schwarber and newly-married Willson Contreras failed to record a hit in a total of eight plate appearances.

Following the loss, our Cubbies fall into third place while the Cardinals take over at the top of the division. Thankfully, the division lead is only a game and a half with the Brewers sitting in second.

Next: A look at the Cubs' first month

What’s next?

Tomorrow, right-hander Tyler Chatwood (2-3. 2.83 ERA) will take on Luke Weaver (2-2, 5.17 ERA) in hopes of ending Chicago’s losing streak. First pitch is scheduled for 1:15 p.m. central time pending any possible weather delays.

Because you know, it’s that time of the year. We’ll get them next time, Cubs’ fans.