Cubs Find More Ways to Disappoint, Fall 4-3 to Reds

The Chicago Cubs are in a complete freefall. Failed opportunities continue to plague them while the front office remains stagnant on significant roster decisions.

With Nico Hoerner and Seiya Suzuki in question, the team was already shorthanded on offense entering Saturday's game. Too many times when Cubs' problems arise, nothing is done to solve them. If both players are IL-eligible, a move needs to be made.

At 31-34, the clock is ticking on this season. The Cubs need to realize where they are in the standings and what to do about it for once.

Tale of the Tape

Already at a disadvantage, the Cubs were going to have to work even harder to find a win in Cincinnati. An RBI double from Dansby Swanson in the first was a step in the right direction.

Unfortunately, it was their only lead of the game as former Cub Jeimer Candelario delivered a solo shot for the Reds. Ben Brown's day on the mound was brief. Lasting only four innings , the right-hander allowed another home run to TJ Friedl.

After surrendering three earned runs, Brown gave way to the returning Jordan Wicks out of the bullpen. He provided length in relief, but even he couldn't get through unscathed.

Friedl's RBI groundout was all the Reds needed in this game as the Cubs' lackluster offense came up short once again. However, it was encouraging to see Yan Gomes smack an RBI double as the 36-year-old has been nonexistent at the plate this season.

Pete Crow-Armstrong cut the deficit to one thanks to an RBI groundout. By the top of the ninth inning, it was up to the Cubs to stage a comeback. As usual, it was another instance of false hope.

With runners at first and third, the team once again crumbled under the pressure and lost a heartbreaker, 4-3. Too many close games have fallen by the wayside, and they'll likely dictate whether the Cubs earn a postseason berth or not.

Takeaways

The Cubs are absolutely brutal to watch right now. Despite a dominant display from the rotation , the roster's many cracks are starting to show. The offense has shown improvement but is lacking a clutch factor.

After losing the first three games of the weekend series, the Cubs will be on a mission Sunday to avoid being swept by a division rival. One positive is that the Reds went through their bullpen like a bag of chips on Saturday. After starter Andrew Abbott departed, Cincinnati used five pitchers to seal the victory.

What's On Tap Next?

The Cubs will be looking for some help as try to avoid a sweep in Cincinnati. Shota Imanaga will take the mound Sunday against Reds' righty Frankie Montas. First pitch is at 12:40 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.

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