Cubs’ series streak ends at four
The Cubs broke out the model with the automatic transmission Wednesday.
That is, no clutch.
In a performance that defied credulity, Cubs batters went 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position in a 4-3 loss to the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park.
With the loss, the Cubs fell to 54-70 and lost the series to the last-place Astros two games to one after having won four straight series.
Yes, closer Carlos Marmol bore the blame for Tuesday night’s 6-5 loss as he gave up a game-winning grand slam to Brian Bogusevic.
But we can’t let the offense off the hook in either game.
In addition to being 0-for-13 with runners in scoring position Wednesday, the Cubs left 12 runners on base.
The previous night, they were 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position, and they stranded six.
Let’s take a look at the lack of clutch Wednesday:
ŸAfter Geovany Soto homered leading off the fourth to give the Cubs a 3-2 lead, Marlon Byrd singled, as did Alfonso Soriano, sending Byrd to third. But Tyler Colvin struck out on a pitch high and away, pitcher Casey Coleman popped out, and Starlin Castro grounded out.
ŸThe Cubs loaded the bases in the fifth on a hit batter and 2 walks. Soto and Byrd each followed with strikeouts, Byrd looking, and Soriano flied out.
ŸDarwin Barney flied out with Castro on second and two outs in the sixth.
ŸIn the eighth, Colvin and pinch hitter Reed Johnson singled with two outs only to have Castro ground out.
ŸThe Cubs saved their worst for last. Barney and Ramirez opened the ninth with singles, putting runners on first and third. Pena popped out. Soto grounded into a fielder’s choice, with Barney being caught between second and third. Byrd grounded out to end the game.
Byrd has been an RISP killer all year. With runners in scoring position, the center fielder is 18-for-91 (.198), making his overall batting average of .301 somewhat deceptive.
“We missed opportunities all day long,” manager Mike Quade told reporters. “Casey wasn’t really sharp, but he kept us hanging around, and the bullpen did another great job.
“But you just can’t have that many opportunities go by and not take advantage of them. We had folks up and down the lineup with chances today. We just didn’t get it done.”
Speaking of Coleman, he was a major disappointment in his first start back from the minor leagues. The Cubs are counting on Coleman, at least for the time being, to fill the rotation spot of Carlos Zambrano, who is on the disqualified list.
They’ll need much better than the 3⅔-inning, 10-hit performance Coleman turned in as he gave up all 4 runs. The Astros got 2 in the third and 2 in the fourth, and with the way the Cubs’ offense was going, that’s all they ended up needing.
“When you’re in the fourth inning and you have that many hits, it puts you in a hole,” Coleman said. “I need to show people that I can go out there and compete.”
bmiles@dailyherald.com