Chicago Cubs’ Chatwood, Morrow struggle; Cardinals walk it off 8-6

On a sunny day in St. Louis in which Tyler Chatwood was once again shaky and a day where Brandon Morrow failed to close it out, the Chicago Cubs lost a heartbreaker in extra-innings.

After a disappointing opening-series loss Friday night, the Chicago Cubs looked destined to rebound after taking the lead into the last half-inning. However, it wouldn’t last as the St. Louis Cardinals ultimately walked it off in extra innings.

For Tyler Chatwood, consistency was key. Unfortunately, that would not be the case as Chatwood could not find control of the strike zone, lasting just 4 IP and giving up 4 R, 3 ER and 5 K. Included were 5 BB.

The walks continue to be problematic as today was the fourth time in just five starts on the season in which Chatwood has walked 5+ batters. In fact, in his two starts against the Cardinals, he has walked a combined twelve batters. On the season, Chatwood has the same K/9 as BB/9, at 11.25.

Brandon Morrow also struggled, as a 6-4 lead in the ninth dwindled away, leaving him on the hook for his second blown save of the season. After the Cubs got Jason Heyward to second in the tenth, Luke Farrell was called upon and promptly saw the afternoon ended on Kolton Wong’s home run.

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Offensive pick-me-up

Despite the loss, the offense did a nice job rebounding off home runs from Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo. Rizzo finished with two RBI, as he continues to get going. Báez now sits at eight home runs on the season, while Rizzo has hit four.

An unusual bright spot for the Cubs was Jason Heyward. Heyward went 2-4, R and reached base a total of three times. His season average now sits a .231 and will hopefully continue to climb. Addison Russell also had himself a nice game, going 2-5, R. Two bats who have struggled, did indeed put together a solid afternoon.

Willson Contreras was the only Cub in the starting lineup who failed to get a hit, going 0-for-5.

Following a heartbreaking loss, the Cubs, after catching some fire, sit in fourth place, 2 1/2 games out. The Cardinals, meanwhile, continue their place at the top of the division in first place.

Next: Quintana trying to find consistency

On-deck

In this week’s Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN, the Cubs close out the Cardinals series as big lefty Jon Lester (2-1, 2.73 ERA), takes on the righty from Iowa, Michael Wacha (4-1, 3.62 ERA). It’s only May folks. This one hurts, however they will bounce back.