Turning the Tide: Cubs' Fight for Success

The Leadoff Man

It’s never easy to watch our beloved Cubs go through a rough patch, but let’s remember, even the best have bad days or weeks. From our current struggles with a 27-26 record to a tough series against the Cardinals and the excitement of facing the Brewers, there's a lot to unpack. Last year's World Series champions, the Texas Rangers, also had rough stretches, yet they bounced back. Similarly, the Cubs turned things around last season after a dismal London series. With Craig Counsell now facing his old team, the Brewers, for the first time, there’s hope for an exciting series to reignite our winning ways.

A Bumpy Road

A rough patch doesn’t define the season.

Despite our winning record, it's hard to stay optimistic when the Cubs have dropped a few tough series. But let's not forget, even the mightiest face challenges. Last year, the Texas Rangers stumbled through a couple of rough patches and still came out on top. They lost 7 of 9 in a tough June stretch and then lost 6 of 8 in July. Early-season struggles can mean little to nothing if a team catches fire in July/August.

Similarly, our Cubs turned things around after a dismal London series against the Cardinals, thanks to a timely comeback against the Guardians. We're currently 27-26, and while it feels grim, this could be just another setup for an epic turnaround.

Cardinals Series Recap

A series to forget: Swept in St. Louis

Losing a series to the Cardinals is always a bitter pill to swallow, but getting swept, especially with one game rained out, feels like a root canal without anesthesia. Friday's game was washed out and rescheduled for July 13th, giving us hope for future revenge. Saturday’s game was a heartbreaker; leading 4-3 in the 8th, Mark Leiter Jr. couldn't find his best splitter and surrendered four runs. A valiant effort to come back in the 9th fell short, epitomizing our recent struggles. On Sunday, despite Ian Happ’s two home runs, we fell 4-3, proving too little too late to mount a serious comeback. Painful, yes, but every dark cloud has its silver lining.

Heading to Wrigley North

Homecoming for Counsell: Cubs vs. Brewers

As the Cubs head to Wrigley North, we’re in for an exciting series with Craig Counsell facing his old team in Milwaukee, the Brewers, for the first time since his offseason switch. The Brewers, fresh off a series victory over the Red Sox at Fenway, are ready for a showdown.

Probable Pitchers:

Today: Justin Steele vs. Robert Gasser at 3:10 PM Central
Steele: LHP, 0-2, 5.68 ERA
Gasser: LHP, 2-0, 2.65 ERA

Robert Gasser has shown impressive control, with a hard-hit rate of just 19.7%, ranking in the top 1% of pitchers. Justin Steele, however, has struggled, allowing more home runs and walks, and will need to rediscover his form.

Tuesday at 6:40 PM Central: Ben Brown vs. TBA
Brown: RHP, (stats pending)
TBA: (stats pending)

Ben Brown’s rookie season has been a bright spot, with a mix of starts and relief appearances. His most recent outing was an impressive four-inning shutout against the Braves.

Wednesday at 6:40 PM Central (Ace Day): Shota Imanaga vs. Freddy Peralta
Imanaga: LHP, 5-0, 0.84 ERA
Peralta: RHP, 3-3, 3.81 ERA

Shota Imanaga has been outstanding, leading qualified pitchers with a 0.84 ERA. Freddy Peralta looks to build on his best outing of May, a seven-inning gem against the Marlins.

Thursday: Jameson Taillon vs. Bryse Wilson at 1:20 PM Central
Taillon: RHP, 3-2, 2.58 ERA
Wilson: RHP, 3-1, 2.86 ERA

Jameson Taillon has found success with his cutter and sweeper, while Bryse Wilson has defied expectations, holding batters to a .213 average despite allowing hard contact.

The Closer

I know, this series against the Cardinals was tough to swallow, but remember, every great team faces adversity. Our Cubs have bounced back before, and with Craig Counsell leading us into a homecoming series against the Brewers, there's hope on the horizon. Let’s rally behind our team, keep the faith, and look forward to a thrilling series in Wrigley North.

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