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LOS ANGELES — Another road trip, another disappointing set of results for the Chicago Cubs. With yesterday’s tough 3-2 loss to the Dodgers, the Cubs dropped the series and finished their tour through Denver and L.A. with a 2-5 record. Over their last two road trips, the Cubs are 3-10. Three and Ten. That’s not a typo.
However, they remain just one game behind the NL Central leading Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs return to Wrigley Field on Tuesday to take on the improved Chicago White Sox.
A few thoughts and observations from their series losses to the Rockies and Dodgers:
Thoughts
1. The starting pitching and bullpen failed the Cubs frequently on this trip. For example, Game 1 vs. the Rockies, the Cubs took a 4-0 lead in the third inning, only for Colorado to tie it up in the bottom half in the eventual loss. Brad Brach fell apart in Game 2 to put the loss away. In Games 1 and 2 against the Dodgers, the Cubs jumped out to 3-0 and 2-0 leads respectively, only to lose both leads and lose. Far too often, the Cubs are unable to put up shutdown innings after the offense has tied it up or provided the lead, giving the momentum right back to the opposition. It’s always tougher to play on the road, but the lack of mental fortitude was a little ridiculous in these two series.
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2. Mike Montgomery is not a lefty specialist — he should not be pitching to the opposing team’s best left handed hitters. Tim Collins should not have been brought up over Dillon Maples. Addison Russell should not be on the roster. The Cubs’ personnel moves continue to confound at times.
3. Anthony Rizzo is on fire. So are Kyle Schwarber and Javy Baez. The rest of the lineup needs to catch up. The Cubs continue to largely be a home run or nothing lineup and it’s extremely aggravating.
4. The Cubs beat Kenley Jansen on Saturday and had him on the ropes again on Sunday. It should’ve been back-to-back blown saves for the Dodgers’ elite closer. Jansen struggles on zero days rest, and it’s certainly a scenario that could come up again in October. The Cubs have at least proven that they can get to him.
5. Kyle Hendricks going on the IL is certainly unsettling, but he didn’t seem too worried about it in his post-game interview. As far as his subpar start, after almost two months of elite pitching, a stinker on the road against the Dodgers is forgivable.
6. Yu Darvish was sensational against the Dodgers. It was so important for him to come in and pitch well in Los Angeles after what happened two years ago. He did that. He’s been very good in a few consecutive starts now. Let’s hope he’s turning a corner.
7. Is Craig Kimbrel ready yet?
8. Based on where we are right now, if the Cubs make the playoffs this season, Cole Hamels is my Game 1 starter. What a mesmerizing performance at Coors Field to hold down that nuclear lineup.
