Craig Counsell sounds like a broken record after latest Cubs' bullpen implosion

For the second time in as many days, the Chicago Cubs took one right on the chin, courtesy of the Milwaukee Brewers - and Tuesday night's haymaker told a story fans have become all too familiar with in the second half.

David Peterson held his own against NL Cy Young favorite Jacob Misiorowski, pitching into the fifth and allowing just one run and it looked as if the Cubs were going to even the series, heading into the bottom of the ninth with a 3-1 lead. But Jackson Chourio hit a game-tying, two-out, two-run home run off struggling Cubs closer Jacob Webb and Luis Lara delivered a game-winner in the tenth, giving Milwaukee its tenth straight series win at home.

After the loss, Craig Counsell offered the same (accurate) response he did when the Brewers rallied to beat the Cubs early last week - and I know I'm not alone in tiring of hearing this from him (although I'm not sure what else he can say at this point, either).

“This is how you’ve got to win games in the bullpen,” Counsell said. “You’ve got to get outs. It’s our job. They’re going to do it. … We’ve got [nine] guys down there. They’re the guys we’re going to rely on. We’ve got to figure it out.”

Struggling Cubs relievers have to find a way to save themselves

For those of you who are tired of Webb struggling, he's right there with you. The Cubs' closer has an 8.10 ERA over the last month and the unfortunate truth is there are no better alternatives to turn to. Daniel Palencia hasn't been right since returning from the IL, Ryan Zeferjahn has been inconsistent since coming over at the trade deadline and the rehabbing arms at Iowa aren't ready.

It just added insult to injury that the man who took the loss and gave up the game-winner was Caleb Thielbar. Any serious team would've cut bait with the 40-year-old lefty long ago, but the Cubs continue to trot him out there in high-leverage situations due simply to a lack of quality alternatives. After Monday's loss, he has a 5.00 ERA - nearly double his mark from a year ago.

Counsell's point stands, as maddening as it is: there's no knight on a white horse riding in to save this group of bullpen arms. Guys need to start stepping up - the wild card is still very much in play and if the Cubs don't get things sorted out soon, they could be in trouble.

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