The Cubs are 1-4, but they could be 4-1.
In three of their four losses, they’ve held a lead in the seventh inning or later, only for the bullpen to blow each game in dramatic fashion. Chicago relievers are giving up almost a run per inning – a collective 8.83 ERA.
That number would be the worst in the MLB if not for the Nationals. Washington relievers hold an 11.02 ERA through five games, and opposing hitters are batting an absurd .377 against them. Trevor Rosenthal has failed to retire all seven batters he’s faced this year, and has given up seven earned runs to zero innings pitched.