The Chicago Cubs faced setbacks in their quest to secure the National League’s top wild-card position, losing 6-4 to the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Key moments of missed opportunity marked the game, affecting both offense and defense.
Ninth-Inning Missteps
The Cubs attempted a comeback in the ninth inning but fell short. Michael Busch walked with one out, bringing Alex Bregman to the plate. Bregman hit a deep flyout, nearly tying the game. Ian Happ narrowly missed a homer, sending a fastball foul. A strategic pitchout by catcher Jose Trevino caught Busch stealing, ending the game upon review.
“That was bad, that was a dumb play,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell commented on Busch’s miscalculation.
Busch acknowledged his role, saying he needed to ensure success in advancing on plays.
Cubs’ Offensive Struggles
The Cubs struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, leaving nine runners on base and hitting 2-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Despite this, bottom-order hitters Contributed to action at the plate. Dansby Swanson returned from injury, going 1-for-3 with a walk.
Pete Crow-Armstrong and Alex Bregman struggled offensively. Crow-Armstrong finished 0-for-5, striking out three times with nine runners on during his at-bats.
Pitching Challenges
Right-hander Clay Holmes encountered command issues, walking five batters in 5 1/3 innings and allowing six runs. A critical throwing error in the sixth inning contributed to the Reds taking the lead.
“It comes down to you can’t walk the leadoff guy there in the sixth inning. The walks hurt us,” Holmes reflected on his performance.
Playoff Aspirations
The Cubs’ quest for the playoffs continues, with their magic number to clinch now at three. Although they received help from other teams, the three-way tie in the wild-card standings adds pressure.
With eight games left, reliever Carson Kelly highlighted the importance of taking each game as it comes. The Cubs aim to find momentum and advance strong into the postseason by focusing on daily efforts.