The Chicago Cubs faced a challenging start to their road trip at Coors Field against a struggling team. Avoiding a series sweep was not the expected outcome, but Thursday’s victory offers hope for improved performance as they head into a three-game series against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park.
Current Standings
As the series begins, the Cubs hold a record slightly above .500. They are tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for third place in the National League Central, positioned 7.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers, who lead the division.
Pete Crow-Armstrong’s Performance
Center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong is a standout player for the Cubs. Despite a slow start, he has maintained a remarkable 15-game on-base streak. In his last 31 games, Crow-Armstrong boasts a slash line of .267/.363/.509, contributing 145 wRC+, seven home runs, five doubles, and 16 RBIs. His performance earned him his first National League Player of the Week honor.
Ben Brown’s Pitching Success
Ben Brown has emerged as a key pitcher for the Cubs. With Matthew Boyd undergoing surgery, Brown stepped into the rotation and excelled. He has recorded a 1.44 ERA across six starts, amassing 34 strikeouts, eight walks, and zero home runs over 31 1/3 innings. His ERA ranks as the fifth-lowest in the majors during this period.
Offensive Challenges
The Cubs’ offense struggles to deliver consistent power. Though their recent game showcased three home runs—their first since April 25—over the last month, they rank 28th in slugging percentage. Dansby Swanson, Nico Hoerner, and Seiya Suzuki have been unable to boost their performances, contributing to the team’s offensive woes.
As the Cubs continue, their focus remains on maximizing opportunities at-bat. Coach Counsell emphasizes that hitting involves seizing optimal pitches and turning them into hard hits.
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