Though he’s still mighty confident his squad is good enough to make the postseason, the Cubs’ defense has been one of Joe Maddon’s biggest frustrations through two months and change of his first season on the North Side.
Friday, those troubles in the field hurt the Cubs in a 5-4 extra-inning loss to the visiting Reds at Wrigley Field.
Addison Russell’s first-inning error opened the gates to begin an uncharacteristic performance from Jason Hammel, who’s shone at nearly every turn so far this season. Friday, he wasn’t on his A-game, and Russell’s error didn’t help.
The rookie second baseman botched a ground ball, allowing Skip Schumaker to reach to lead off the game.