Cubs Fumble Their Chances in 5-4 Loss to Pirates

The Chicago Cubs failed to capture Thursday's series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates. They put up quite a fight while attempting to mount a comeback but ultimately fell 5-4 to their NL Central foes.

The Pirates jumped ahead early and maintained a lead for the rest of the contest despite the North Siders' best efforts. Justin Steele's seven strikeouts were impressive, but the long ball was his demise. Regardless of the outcome, it's encouraging to see him progress following a lengthy absence.

Ian Happ's night was much better than usual, which the team will hope can snap his cold spell. While the Cubs lost, there are several positives to take away from Thursday's showing.

Tale of the Tape

With Justin Steele on the mound, the Cubs were down early with a first-inning home run from Edward Olivares. A 2-0 hole from the first inning was an ominous start to the game as the Cubs trailed all night.

A quick response came in the bottom of the second inning when a struggling Ian Happ blasted a solo home run. He and the Cubs are surely hoping it will be a moment that can turn around his season.

Steele's night on the mound was a mixed bag. While he recorded seven strikeouts and allowed just one walk, he struggled to prevent runs. Lasting 5.2 innings, Steele couldn't overcome five earned runs.

The top of the fourth was a microcosm of his night on the mound. He collected three strikeouts in the frame, but a home run from Nick Gonzales put the game further out of reach.

The Cubs' bullpen was a bright spot once again. Craig Counsell gave Hayden Wesneski and Tyson Miller a second straight game, and both turned in solid outings to help keep the Cubs in the fight.

Particularly, Miller was quite impressive. If he can maintain this level of performance, the Cubs have a keeper moving forward.

Cubs relievers gave the offense an opportunity to rally in the eighth inning. A hit batsman and a Pirates' error gave the Cubs some life, and Christopher Morel's sacrifice fly cut the deficit to one. However, the North Siders couldn't completely turn the tide late in the game.

Takeaways

The Cubs nearly flipped momentum multiple times but couldn't get over the hump. Seven players recorded hits, marking a team effort from the offense.

Still, the Cubs haven't shown the ability to string it along consistently. Injuries have been a culprit, but more needs to be done to back up the pitching.

Tyson Miller has been solid in his two appearances in his return to the Cubs. His stuff is impressive so far and might be just what the team needs to rectify their bullpen struggles.

What's On Tap Next?

The Cubs look to rebound Friday when Kyle Hendricks takes the mound after an impressive return from the injured list. Phenom rookie Paul Skenes will toe the rubber for Pittsburgh in a rematch of Saturday's game. First pitch is at 1:20 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.

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