Uuuuuuuugh.
Games are nine innings long, and there are literally dozens of moments to which you could point in a one-run game that, with a better bounce here or a different decision there, directly impact the outcome. So singling out just one is foolish at best, and dishonest at worst.
But I’m going to do it anyway.
How on Earth could Mike Quade have let Koyie Hill hit in the 8th with the tying run on third and one out? I know all the justifications – down to one catcher, lack of great bench options, etc. – so save them (unless Soto is hurt – that’s the *only* legitimate excuse). The game was on the freaking line, Mike. It was just sitting there at third base. Get the tie, and worry about the rest later. As it was, Hill struck out, and the Cubs lost. It was his third strikeout of the night and dropped his season line to .221/.291/.325.
Hindsight’s 20/20, but sometimes foresight is slapping you in the face. You just have to pay attention.