The Chicago Cubs faced a challenging game Tuesday night against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Despite the potential advantage of going against the worst big-league pitching staff, the Cubs’ offense remained stagnant. The team lost their series opener with a score of 7-3.
Pitcher Colin Rea struggled on the mound, putting the Cubs in a deficit early by allowing five runs in the first two innings. He ended his night with seven runs conceded on nine hits, including two home runs. Rea also issued three walks and hit a batter during his 4⅔ innings.
“We just didn’t do enough,” said manager Craig Counsell. “We’re behind, but we just didn’t do enough tonight. There were balls hit well with men on base that didn’t catch any breaks. That’s part of the game, making your own breaks. We didn’t get the big hit, and some innings were quiet.”
Rea’s performance was marked by only five whiffs on 79 pitches, with a mere two on his four-seam fastball. “We started the game down in the zone, with breaking balls yanked and heaters down,” Rea explained. “Not much swing-and-miss with those pitches. I was falling behind a lot. The last inning and a half felt better, but overall, it was a poor effort.”
The Cubs, with a 34-33 record, have managed just three or fewer runs in their last four games. This marks their second-longest stretch of low-scoring games this season. Their lack of production was evident with only three runs scored, fewest since a similar performance in September 2023 at Coors Field. The Cubs’ offensive struggles included a Dansby Swanson double and a Michael Busch home run as their only extra-base hits.
“We feel like we’re having good at-bats,” Busch said. “Getting guys on base is a mixed blessing. You keep pressuring the other team, but sometimes it doesn’t pay off. We trust in our team’s potential, and there’s confidence in each at-bat. It’s frustrating, but pressuring the opponent each inning is key.”
Despite opportunities from Rockies pitchers like Tomoyuki Sugano, the Cubs didn’t capitalize. They fouled off 14 pitches left over the middle, 10 of which were fastballs.
“Sometimes we miss the pitch we need to hit,” said Counsell. “Offense and hitting require capturing those moments. We must improve on that.”
Facing an increasingly disappointed fan base and reflecting on a squandered promising start, the Cubs are still hopeful. Counsell remains optimistic for the season’s remainder.
“Tomorrow is a new game and a new chance,” Counsell expressed. “A lot of season lies ahead with good prospects. That’s our mindset each day, and I still believe in it.”