SAN FRANCISCO – A writer from one city leaned over to a writer from another city in the Giants’ press box Monday night at Oracle Park and said:
“I’m watching all these Giants hitters tonight and wondering how this team has won 15 of its last 18 games.”
Make it 16 of 19.
And just like that, that familiar sinking feeling on the road was back for the Cubs in a 5-4 loss to open a three-city, nine-game road trip.
As if on cue, Cubs reliever Pedro Strop took over in the eighth; the Giants lineup took over the end of the game; and the Cubs’ need for bullpen help at the trade deadline was exposed again.