Cubs Hold the Line, Beat Rays 4-3 to Even the Series

After a disastrous ending to Tuesday's game , the Chicago Cubs couldn't afford another loss on Wednesday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The 2024 Cubs seem to have a knack for scoring just enough to either win or lose.

Wednesday's affair wasn't any different, but at the end of the day, a win is all that matters. All the Cubs can do from here on out is look to build on this momentum. At 33-35, the team needs to pick up some steam.

The Cubs still have several issues to rectify if they want to be a legitimate postseason contender. Lately, seemingly every win is coming down to the final out. With so many close losses, the North Siders are bound to have some of them go in their favor, but it's not a consistent winning strategy.

Tale of the Tape

This game was shaping up to be a carbon copy of the usual. The Cubs' offense came in spurts in a back-and-forth battle against a pesky Rays team. Chicago even performed its signature of failing to capitalize with runners on base.

In the first inning, the Cubs loaded the bases before Nico Hoerner's groundout ended the threat. It's a frustrating occurrence that happens far too frequently. Unfortunately, it was trending toward one of those nights again.

Javier Assad held the fort down until the third inning when Isaac Paredes's double put the Rays ahead 1-0. Assad needed 90 pitches to complete just 4.2 innings , forcing the Cubs to rely on their bullpen.

Seiya Suzuki got the Cubs on the board in the fourth inning with a solo shot off Aaron Civale.

The tie didn't hold long as Jose Siri homered off Javier Assad. The Cubs seem to find ways to make wins frustrating at this point.

Heading into the seventh inning, Tyson Miller and Drew Smyly did a great job of keeping the Rays' bats at bay. For once, the Cubs' offense paid that off with a satisfying three-run homer from Cody Bellinger.

The lefty has been struggling to hit for power recently, so it was nice to see him finally break through. The Cubs will need more pop from him moving forward as he's one of their go-to sources of home runs.

With a 4-2 lead, things were looking up for the Cubs. But a Rays' rally was inevitable, and the Cubs had to turn to Hector Neris.

Despite Neris blowing a save on Tuesday, Craig Counsell put his faith in the veteran. With one out in the ninth, the Rays began to creep back into the game.

Jose Caballero cut the lead to one with a solo shot before the Rays put runners on thanks to a single and a walk. With only one out, it was shaping up to be another devastating loss for the Cubs. But fortune was on Chicago's side as Tuesday's villain, Brandon Lowe, couldn't prolong Tampa Bay's rally.

Takeaways

The Cubs couldn't afford to lose another close game. A dreadful month of May has stretched into June, and they have major ground to cover in the NL Central race.

Seeing homers from Seiya Suzuki and Cody Bellinger is an encouraging sign for the Cubs' offense. If the lineup's key contributors start clicking, the Cubs' fortunes will turn around.

Chicago's bullpen did its job in this game. Following a short outing by Assad, it was a daunting task for a unit that has struggled mightily this season. The hope is that the relief corps is starting to turn things around. And with the signing of Jorge Lopez , it might receive a quality boost.

What's On Tap Next?

Looking to win the series, the Cubs will send one of their best arms, Justin Steele, to the mound Wednesday. Young righty Taj Bradley will start for the Rays. First pitch is at 5:50 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.

Subscribe to On Tap Sports Net on YouTube , and the Cubs On Tap podcast and Dingers: A Chicago Cubs Podcast for more Chicago Cubs content, updates, and hot takes!