The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly: Chicago Cubs and Reds Series
The Chicago Cubs (2-3) had a chance to pick up their first series win this year, but Wednesday's finale was rained out. The game will be made up on September 1 as part of a split doubleheader.
Before closing the book, let's look at some good, some bad, and some downright ugly from the series with the Reds.
Good
Averaging just over two runs per game in their opening series against the Brewers, the Cubs' offense took off against the Reds' pitching. Added, the North Siders scored all 12 of their runs on Tuesday without hitting a home run.
Good
Cody Bellinger had a rough first series, fanning four times in 11 at-bats. But he quickly put that behind him, launching a three-run home run in the 1st inning on Monday. The former Dodger also collected three hits in Tuesday's win.
Good
The Cubs avoided serious injury when Patrick Wisdom was hit with a pitch in the wrist/forearm area on Monday. He remained in the game and came around to score on Eric Hosmer's two-run double. Wisdom also went 3-for-5 with three RBI on Tuesday.
Good
Keegan Thompson did a tremendous job of not only taking over for Smyly on Monday but giving the bullpen a much-needed rest. The 28-year-old breezed through 3.1 innings on 32 pitches, allowing just one hit and fanning three.
Good
After a horrible team debut, Julian Merryweather was much better on Tuesday, pitching the 9th inning. The 31-year-old needed just ten pitches to finish off the game, throwing seven of those for strikes.
Bad
Cubs catchers have combined to go 2-for-18 at the plate to start the year. Yan Gomes went 0-for-6 with three strikeouts between the two games in Cincinnati. Tucker Barnhart picked up his first hit as a member of the Cubs on Monday, going 1-for-3. We knew there would be an offensive dropoff with Willson Contreras exiting via free agency and the Cubs emphasizing defense behind the plate. However, Gomes and Barnhart need to be providing more offensively.
Ugly
Despite having a lead of two or more runs twice on Monday, Cubs starting pitcher Drew Smyly could not preserve either. After Chicago jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the first inning, the southpaw gave it right back. The big blow was former Cub Jason Vosler's three-run homer, putting a damper on Smyly's season debut.
The Cubs have the day off on Thursday before hosting the Rangers for three games at Wrigley Field, with first pitch set for Friday at 1:20 pm CST.
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