Cubs Struggle at Home
The Chicago Cubs are experiencing a challenging period at Wrigley Field. After enjoying a 15-game home winning streak, they have now faced six consecutive losses on their home turf. The team’s recent homestand against the Milwaukee Brewers and Houston Astros saw them entering with a 29-18 record, leading the National League Central by 1 1/2 games. However, those six games brought a total crowd of 232,698, one of the few positive notes for the Cubs as they fell to a 29-24 record.
The Cubs’ latest defeat came in an 8-5 game against the Houston Astros, witnessed by 40,048 fans. With this loss, the Cubs extended their overall losing streak to eight games and dropped to third place in their division, trailing the Brewers and the St. Louis Cardinals. During this period, they were outscored 34-12 and outhomered 9-3, hitting just .174 and being shut out twice.
Team’s Optimism Despite Challenges
The Cubs are determined to reverse their fortunes as they begin a seven-game road trip facing the Pittsburgh Pirates and then the Cardinals. Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman indicated the team’s need for improvement, acknowledging they have been outperformed in recent games. Cubs’ Michael Busch echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “There is no secret recipe except to come in each day with the mindset to win.” He emphasized trust in their abilities and in the process.
Despite the recent setbacks, the team believes they can regain their winning form. Sunday’s game highlighted the challenge as Peter Lambert, once a two-time victor against the Cubs in 2019 with the Rockies, earned the win against them while giving up four walks and hitting a batter in just five innings.
Imanaga’s Struggles on the Mound
Cubs pitcher Shota Imanaga faced the Houston Astros for the first time in his career. The game’s initial innings showed promise, with two quick strikeouts and a flyout in the first inning, but Imanaga later allowed two runs on home runs in the second and third innings. With a one-run lead in the fifth, Imanaga allowed five more runs, including a three-run home run to Christian Walker.
This performance brought Imanaga’s record to 4-5, marking his first stretch of three consecutive losses in his major-league career. He permitted seven or more runs in consecutive games for the first time. Additionally, Edward Cabrera’s recent injury and the subsequent call-up of Jordan Wicks from Triple-A Iowa add pressure on the Cubs’ starting rotation.
Promising Start for Pedro Ramírez
One positive takeaway from this period for the Cubs is the debut of promising prospect Pedro Ramírez. Making his first career start on Sunday, Ramírez played second base and showcased his potential. After grounding out during his debut at-bat on Saturday, he hit a double in his first at-bat on Sunday, driving in Moisés Ballesteros during a three-run second inning. Despite grounding into a double play in the eighth, Ramírez delivered strong performances at key moments.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Ramírez, saying, “He came up in a number of big spots. The double was a big spot to get us on the board… He came through in my eyes and had a really nice game.” Ramírez’s adaptability and effectiveness at critical junctures suggest a bright future ahead.
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Chicago Tribune.
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