The Cubs may have lost their series against the Atlanta Braves, but the three-game set revealed far more about where this team stands than the final results alone. This was the first real early-season test that the Cubs faced on their journey this year, and even though it didn't go the way Cubs fans would have wished, the light at the end of the tunnel is certainly bright.
The Cubs finally fell back to Earth when they came off of their second ten-game win streak this season, and it took a few games for them to find their footing again. Unfortunately, the timing of it didn't exactly favor the Cubs. This could have been a potential statement series against the big dogs in baseball. But even though the loss felt hard up front, it also showed why this team can be competitive against the best of the best.
Cubs pitchers held their own against an elite lineup
Cubs pitching posted excellent numbers through this series despite taking the loss. Ben Brown appeared in one of his irregular starts and produced an excellent four innings while only allowing one hit on seven strikeouts. Shota Imanaga produced stellar numbers, pitching for seven innings and only allowing two earned runs. The bullpen threw for five scoreless innings in the series finale, and the rotation gave the Cubs a chance to win every game. You can't ask for more than that.
The Braves managed to silence the Cubs bats, and that eliminated the Cubs super power. By not producing any hits, particularly with runners in scoring position, the consistent pressure the Cubs have become accustomed to producing every night just wasn't there.
Ian Happ continues to deliver in big moments
Ian Happ shines through as the Cubs MVP for this series, and it's for multiple reasons. In a series where the Cubs only scored five runs total, Happ scored three of them himself, scoring both runs needed to take the final game of the season. Happ continues to reach base however necessary. He's been stepping up in the lineup when needed, and his impact has been felt in more than just his bat.
If this series took place closer to the playoffs, it would be more of a red flag. But teams don't make or break themselves in May. This series should only serve as a taste of the competition to come, and if the Cubs are smart, they'll address the issues they've identified now. If they don't, the road to October baseball may just well be an extremely long one.
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