The rebuilding process has not gone to plan for the Chicago Cubs. The club was hoping to be competitive during the 2022 season, but they currently find themselves 13 games out of first place in the National League Central division. The Cubs just have not performed as expected at the plate or on the mound. Chicago looked to avoid another embarrassing loss to a division rival when they played the second game of a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Pitching Matchup
Rookie Matt Swarmer got the start for the Cubs last night. Swarmer was very impressive in his first two MLB starts, but his last two have not gone as planned. Pittsburgh also sent a rookie to the mound with Roansy Contreras getting the start. The young phenom has quickly proved why he was considered one of the sport’s best prospects entering the year.
Things Fall Apart Early
Chicago’s hopes of getting a much-needed win were dashed fairly early in the game. It only took two batters for the Pirates to put a run on the board. They added another run in the second inning when Michael Perez hit his third home run of the season. Things got even worse in the third inning. Daniel Vogelbach and Oneil Cruz both delivered an RBI single in the third. Pittsburgh added a third run in the inning on a throwing error by Willson Contreras.
Futile Comeback Attempt
The Cubs offense did not have any answers for Pittsburgh’s young starter. Chicago broke up the shutout when Patrick Wisdom led off the fourth inning with a solo home run. This was his 13th homer of the season. It was also the only run the Cubs would score all game as they fell 7-1. Mark Leiter Jr. helped preserve the bullpen by only giving up one run over the final three innings. This was a much needed performance as the Cubs got blown out for the third straight night.
Upcoming Schedule
Chicago has now surrendered 25 runs while only scoring two in their last three games. The team will look to avoid an ugly sweep by the Pirates when they play again on Wednesday night. Keegan Thompson will look to continue his role as the best pitcher on the Cubs. He will face off against Jerad Eickhoff. The former Phillie is making his first start for Pittsburgh this year.
