Cubs on Short End of Pitching Duel, Drop Series to Giants

The Cubs had the bases loaded in the first inning — albeit with two outs — and couldn’t convert. That was the only time they had a runner in scoring position.

Madison Bumgarner was on fire and held the Cubs in check the entire game, allowing only three singles and two walks. He also drove in the Giants only run with an RBI double in the bottom of the fifth inning.

Kyle Hendricks also pitched well, good enough to win on most days. Unfortunately, today was one of the few where his performance wasn’t good enough.

Stats that matter

• Kyle Hendricks had another solid outing – 5 1/3IP, 1R, 3H, 3BB, 1K
• Bumgarner was stellar and drove in the Giants lone run – 7 2/3IP, 0R, 3H, 2BB, 6Ks, 1H, 1RBI

Bottom line

The Cubs have lost seven of their last eleven games and their offense has cooled considerably. It hasn’t helped that the man who fuels the engine, Anthony Rizzo, is 5-for-40 (.125) over those eleven games. If there’s ever been a question about how much Anthony means to this team, the answer is clear.

Next up

The Cubs head to St. Louis on Monday to clash with the Cardinals, who sit seven games back of the Cubs. John Lackey will take the mound at 7:15 PM CDT.