The Cubs drew six bases-loaded walks in the 5th inning last night on a total of 26 pitches, which is something I haven’t seen outside of low-level rec ball. How they still managed to lose with the Pirates pitching that poorly is beyond me, but I suppose it had something to do with giving up five homers. Justin Steele was throwing batting practice during his abbreviated start and Keegan Thompson struggled badly with control in his inning of work.
There was a time when Kyle Hendricks would be looked to as the perfect pitcher to close out a series like this, a steadying force to win the rubber match and get out of town on a high note.