The Chicago Cubs have already clinched a spot in the playoffs, but it doesn't take away the absolute gut-punch the Boston Red Sox just delivered. Amid schedule changes, the Cubs and Red Sox engaged in a doubleheader on Friday, giving two distinct chances for the Cubs to win.
They lost both, and PCA couldn't save them this time.
The Cubs took an early lead in game one, scoring in the first inning on a Tyrone Taylor double to bring in Seiya Suzuki after he reached base on a walk. Miguel Amaya doubled off of the Green Monster to drive in the run.
Unfortunately for Chicago, the lead didn't last long. The Red Sox clapped back in the third inning with a run on a rare Dansby Swanson throwing error, but it wasn't until the fifth inning that they tied the game. Boston then took the lead in the seventh, but the Cubs attempts for offense were in vain. They didn't have another base runner beyond that point.
The second game arrived with the potential for redemption after dropping the first game of the day, but if any Cubs fans were holding their breath, they've passed out by now. David Peterson put up a solid day on the mound with five innings pitched, six strikeouts and only three hits. He also didn't allow any runs to make it back to the plate.
But the Cubs couldn't capitalize when it really mattered. The Cubs put seven hits on the board, three more than the Red Sox, and stranded every runner. If outhitting your opponent and still losing isn't a low point, losing for the second time of the day sure is.
With the Cubs vying for home field positioning in the Wild Card series, getting these wins at the end of the season are extremely important. Though the Padres have also clinched their playoff opportunity, the Diamondbacks and Phillies are competing for the last NL Wild Card spot.
For the Cubs, having home-field advantage could truly make the difference to a Cubs team that's been better at home than on the road. With only a few games left on the season, the Cubs need to lock in.
October is a lock. Whether it starts at Wrigley or on the road isn't, and that's what this weekend is for.
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