Cubs failing to convert with runners in scoring position amidst concerning trend

Tuesday’s 9-3 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers marked the second straight loss for the Chicago Cubs, now placing them two games back in the NL Central behind their division rivals. In what has been arguably the most important series of the season so far, the Cubs have not answered the challenge, losing both games by a total of four runs or more.

The Cubs were able to find some individual success, as Pete-Crow Armstrong reached base twice with an RBI and Nico Hoerner went 3-for-4 at the plate with a rare home run. However, the team could only muster three runs as the Brewers continued to pile on.

That’s not to say they didn’t have their chances, but a 1-for-12 clip with runners in scoring position effectively squandered any opportunity to make it a competitive ballgame. 

The team’s lone hit came from Dansby Swanson, who struck out earlier in the game with a runner on third in a ten-pitch at bat.

The Cubs couldn’t manage to produce when it mattered, having a runner 90 feet away from the plate with less than two outs on three occasions and failing to convert each time.

Cubs' struggle with runners in scoring position highlights a crucial flaw in the second half so far

Entering Wednesday, the Cubs currently rank fifth in Major League Baseball with a batting average of .274 with runners in scoring position. However, since returning from the All-Star break, that average has fallen to .232, ranking 16th in the league.

With the Brewers right on their tails, the Cubs did not come out of the All-Star break as hot as they had hoped. The three-headed dragon of Kyle Tucker, Seiya Suzuki, and Michael Busch have all struggled massively since returning from the break, with all three batting above the Mendoza Line amidst the team's slump.

All teams have their cold stretches, with even the 2016 Cubs falling victim at one point. However, with the trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Cubs’ recent hitting struggles could pressure Jed Hoyer to make upgrades in an attempt to right the ship.