How Did that One Get Away

Watching the game tonight was certainly frustrating.  On the one hand, Arrieta managed to stay aggressive and pretty much handcuff the Mets all evening.  On the other hand, the Cubs returned to a patient approach at the plate, which resulted in chasing the Mets starter early.  However, once they got men on base, they reverted to the anxious mode they have displayed of late.  They blew innumerable scoring chances all night long, most notably in the bottom of the ninth when they loaded the bases with no outs and managed switch to swing mode, failing again to put the ball in play in a meaningful way.

The Cubs played badly for sure Tuesday night, but the Mets, on the whole, did not exactly shine either.  People are after Rondon's head for blowing the game in the top of the ninth, clamoring for the Cubs to go out and get Chapman, but the game need not have got to that point with even a few decent at-bats with men on base.  Rondon is certainly in a bit of a mid-season slump, but fans should bear in mind that he was pitching on consecutive nights, which is something he has not done very often this year.  Also, despite giving up two solid hits, he managed a key strikeout and did induce a double-play ball that somehow did not materialize.  Finally, the hit that won the game for the Mets was a lucky blooper.

I thought the Cubs were back in business after taking three of four games following the All-Star Break, so I hope this tough loss does not presage another slump.  The schedule very much favors the Cubs for the next few weeks.  They need to put this thing away.

One good sign is that the starting pitching is back.  The only weak outing in the stretch was Lackey's on Sunday and that performance was due in part to a lack of ability to control his emotions.  To be honest, I don't really like Lackey as a playoff pitcher for this reason.  The Cubs managed to get under his skin last year in the NLDS.

Hendricks pitches Wednesday afternoon, so hopefully the team can bounce back.  Under the radar, Hendricks has emerged as the team's most reliable starting pitcher through mid-season.