The Chicago Cubs offense had a difficult time scoring runs once again in Tuesday's 4-2 loss to the New York Mets. Starter Javier Assad did all he could to position the Cubs for success by allowing just one earned run through five innings, but the bats couldn't back him up.
If the North Siders hope to keep pace with the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Central, their offense needs to find a way to get going without Cody Bellinger and Seiya Suzuki in the lineup.
Chicago mustered just two runs on four hits in the second contest of a four-game series. Mike Tauchman provided most of the pop as he led the Cubs with two hits on the night.
Assad had a solid night on the mound and left his team in the best possible position to win. Had it not been for the pickoff error made by Patrick Wisdom, the Cubs very well may have escaped the first inning unscathed.
That’s… HAWT https://t.co/dt5CQ2Y85n
— Cubs On Tap (@CubbiesOnTap) May 1, 2024
Fortunately, the Cubs countered with a sacrifice fly of their own the following inning as Miguel Amaya plated Dansby Swanson to even the game at one. Afterward, both offenses went quiet for the middle innings.
The levee finally broke in the sixth inning when struggling Cubs reliever Adbert Alzolay allowed a three-run homer to DJ Stewart, which pretty much sealed the Cubs' fate.
DJ just demolished that baseball pic.twitter.com/rBNqbMdNAk
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 1, 2024
Alzolay finished the inning without allowing further damage, but it's evident he isn't the same pitcher he was last season.
The Cubs called on Colton Brewer for the next two innings, and he fared much better by not allowing a hit and striking out three.
With Edwin Diaz getting the night off, the Mets called upon Jorge Lopez for the save opportunity. He allowed a leadoff double to Tauchman but limited the damage by only allowing a run-scoring groundout by Matt Mervis.
Overall, it was a forgettable night for the Cubs' offense and defense as two errors didn't do the visitors any favors.
The Cubs must enter Wednesday's game with a better mindset and shake off a sloppy, disappointing Tuesday showing.
Squandering solid starting pitching isn't a recipe for success. With Milwaukee winning on Tuesday, the Cubs fell back to second place in the NL Central standings.
Regarding Adbert Alzolay, it's gotten to the point where a trip to Triple-A Iowa may be in the best interest of him and the team. He simply can't continue on his current trajectory while the Cubs look to compete for the division crown.
“He just made a mistake with a fastball.”
— Marquee Sports Network (@WatchMarquee) May 1, 2024
Craig Counsell on the go-ahead home run in the sixth. pic.twitter.com/ur5dqEZEvD
The Cubs turn to Shota Imanaga as he looks to continue his brilliance on Wednesday. New York will counter with righty Jose Butto, who's enjoying a decent start to the 2024 season. First pitch is at 6:10 PM CT and the game will air on Marquee Sports Network.
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