Cubs Squander Their Chances in 3-0 Loss to Twins

The Chicago Cubs have a knack for making games more frustrating than they need to be. Monday exemplified that as Kyle Hendricks had one of his better games of the season but the Cubs still found a way to ruin it with an anemic offensive effort.

It's apparent that the postseason isn't in the cards for the 2024 Cubs. Their goal should be to play entertaining baseball with a focus on development the rest of the way. Monday was another example of why this team just isn't good enough to truly compete.

Tale of the Tape

Expectations are low for Kyle Hendricks these days, but it's fun when the veteran exceeds them.

Recording a quality start against Minnesota, the righty did his job on the mound. Hendricks' three strikeouts in the first inning made it seem as though he'd found the fountain of youth.

The only blemish on Hendrick's day was Manuel Margot's home run in the fifth inning.

With the Twins up 2-0, the Cubs didn't need to climb out of a deep hole. But rookie David Festa was giving the North Siders' hitters fits all night. It's a bad look for an offense when any pitcher with a poor ERA throws a gem. But given the Cubs' offensive inconsistency this season, it doesn't come as a surprise anymore.

Mustering just two hits, the Cubs wasted a strong outing from a pitcher who doesn't have much left to give.

One bright spot came from an unintentional occurrence. Mistakes typically don't turn into solutions, but the Cubs found a way in Monday's game.

Jorge Lopez and Nate Pearson did their best to hold off the Twins in relief, giving Chicago's offense plenty of time to mount a comeback. But the Cubs couldn't take advantage and offered minimal pushback.

Ian Happ's double made things interesting in the ninth inning, but the Cubs once again faltered with runners in scoring position.

With the series opener going to the Twins, the Cubs have to dig deep over the next two days.

Tale of the Tape

It was a frustrating loss but not the ugliest. The Cubs' offensive woes were evident once again and will need to be addressed in the offseason. There are good pieces in the lineup but further reinforcements are needed.

On the other hand, it's unacceptable to continue to suffer major droughts of run production. Good teams score early and often, and the 2024 Cubs are not one of them.

Jed Hoyer should look at Monday as a synopsis of what's wrong with his team.

What's On Tap Next?

Looking to get back into the win column , the Cubs will send one of their best pitchers to the mound Tuesday. Shota Imanaga will toe the rubber against Twins' ace Pablo Lopez. First pitch is at 7:05 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.

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