What can I say? I’m just not troubled by this one. And one-run losses usually drive me nuts.
Jake Arrieta was perfect through three innings, but ran into trouble in the fourth when the Reds strung together five singles to score three runs. They weren’t exactly stinging the ball, and it was just one of those things that happens. I actually think Arrieta pitched very well, overall.
Those three runs were the only the Reds scored, and, once again, the Cubs mounted a comeback late. They got two runs in the 8th thanks to a Matt Szczur pinch-hit walk, and a Welington Castillo pinch-hit homer. The Cubs then put the tying run on second before Chris Coghlan struck out to end that rally.
In the 9th, Starlin Castro led off with a single, and, after Miguel Montero popped out, Szczur worked a really nice walk. From there, though, David Ross and Mike Olt struck out against Aroldis Chapman, which, well, it happens.
Sure, there are formulations of this game where the Cubs could have won … but I just can’t get worked up. I like the way Arrieta held the Reds down, the bullpen pitched well again, and the Cubs very nearly came back again.
I’m sure, at some point, the sunshine will stop shining out of my butt. But not today.