Cubs Notes Roundup: Soler Homers, Cubs Swept Again

It was only a matter of time before the injuries to Anthony Rizzo and Starlin Castro caught up with the Cubs.

That time is now, as the Cubs have been swept for the second straight series. They lost 11-1 to the Blue Jays on Wednesday night, and were outscored 28-3 in the three games.

Ouch.

It hasn’t all been on the offense, however. Similar to Tuesday’s game, the bullpen was hit hard, giving up seven runs in only 2.1 innings.

Gordon Wittenmyer indicts manager Rick Renteria and his over-managing the bullpen for some of its recent woes.

The silver lining for the night was Jorge Soler’s opposite-field blast in the seventh inning. It was his fourth in 12 games, and the Cubs’ first home run since Sept. 3. Soler has hit safely in all but one game as a Cub — and in that one, he had a sacrifice fly.

The Cubs have the day off and will try to snap out of their funk against the Pirates on Friday.

Other notes

*The Kane County Cougars held on to win 4-3 in Game 1 of the Midwest League Championship. Promising pitching prospect Jen-Ho Tseng got the start and tossed five innings, giving up two earned runs and striking out eight. Most of the offense was provided by the top of the order, with Shawon Dunston Jr. going 3-for-4 and DH Mark Zagunis hitting a two-run homer.

* Back in Chicago, Jeff Smardzija pitched seven shutout innings against the White Sox, striking out six. He received little run support, however (heard that one before), and the Sox pulled away with a 2-1 victory after he departed the game.