Cubs Drop Final Game to Rangers, Hamels Dealing

The Chicago Cubs (55-36) just can’t seem to beat Cole Hamels. That held true again today as Hamels and the Texas Rangers (55-38) beat the Cubs 4-1 (Box Score).

John Lackey (7-6, 3.75 ERA) was good for the most part, with the exception of a 20-pitch second inning and 21-pitch fourth inning, along with a solo home run he surrendered in the eighth inning. Those three innings gave the Rangers all the opportunities they’d need, as Lackey held them hitless in every other inning. It was a Jekyll and Hype performance of sorts today for John.

For the Cubs offensively, there weren’t very many scoring chances. They managed to score one run and only left three men on base.

Their best chance to get back into the game came in the bottom of the seventh inning. After back-to-back singles by Willson Contreras and Addison Russell to lead off the inning, Jason Heyward hit a laser down the first base line. The only problem was that he hit it directly to Prince Fielder who caught the ball and promptly stepped on first base to get Russell out on the unassisted double play. That was the closest the Cubs would get.

Stats that mattered

• Lackey had a couple rough innings – 8.0IP, 4R, 6H, 2BB, 8Ks, 1HR
• Hamels was very good – 8.0IP, 1R, 4H, 7Ks
• Cubs could only manage 4 hits and 0 walks

Bottom line

The Cubs ran into a great pitching performance today by Cole Hamels. Overall, they played a solid game and I’m not seeing anything today that gives me pause or concern. They pressed hard when they got the few scoring chances afforded by Hamels, but they couldn’t quite break through. You’ve gotta tip your hat to Cole and move on.

Next up

The New York Mets come to Wrigley to take on the Cubs starting tomorrow. Game time is 7:05 PM CDT and Jon Lester (9-4, 3.01 ERA) will be on the hill for the Cubs.