With the 2024 season almost over and the Cubs’ postseason chances hanging by an ever-thinner thread, their 9-5 loss to the Rockies seemed in some ways a microcosm of said season.
Early lead? Check.
Blown lead? Check.
Okay starting pitching? Check.
Late-inning comeback? Check.
Bullpen failure? Well, that’s what cost the Cubs this game, Drew Smyly and Nate Pearson combined to give the Rockies a four-run eighth and that, as they say, was that.
Let’s begin at the beginning.
This game started well for the Cubs. Ian Happ led off with a walk and advanced to third on a double by Dansby Swanson.