Lester’s Gem Not Enough as Cubs Fall Short

Jon Lester pitched as well as anyone could ask but it still wasn’t enough to overcome the pitching of 26 year-old Tyler Chatwood. Lester gave up only four hits and two walks while striking out ten batters, but Chatwood was better today. He gave up no hits through four innings and ended up surrendering only two hits and one walk through seven innings. This one deserves a tip of the hat to Chatwood and the Rockies. Cubs fall today by the score of 2-0 to the Rockies (Box Score).

Long (beautiful) day

It was a long day for Cubs hitters. As mentioned, they couldn’t muster a single hit until the fifth inning, which happened to be one of three times they had runners in scoring position today. Another chance came in the fifth inning when Jon Lester hit a lead-off double but the Cubs could not advance him.

Again, in the ninth inning, the Cubs had runners on first and second with two outs but Kris Bryant struck out for the third and final out. That was the ballgame.

The one consolation today was the stunning weather. It was a magnificently sunny mid-summer like day. A Cubs win would have been a perfect way to top it off but unfortunately not today.

Final thoughts

It was a great home-stand, with the Cubs winning four of six games. They have a lot to build on and no, the sky isn’t falling just because they lost two of three to the Rockies. Don’t forget last year when the last place Phillies came to town and swept the Cubs in July. Everything turned out ok there. They will be just fine.

Next up

The Cubs travel to St. Louis tomorrow to open a three-game series against the Cardinals. John Lackey returns to take on his old team, which should make for some interesting theatre. Game time is 7:09 CDT.