The Chicago Cubs’ struggles with runners in scoring position cost them for a second consecutive game.
They couldn’t deliver enough clutch hits in a 2-1 loss in 10 innings to host Cleveland on Wednesday, getting swept in the two-game series. The offense finished 1 for 15 with runners in scoring position and left a season-high 15 runners on base.
Amed Rosario slashed a two-out single off right-hander Keegan Thompson with the bases loaded to end it.
Willson Contreras and Joc Pederson accounted for most of the Cubs offense in Cleveland. They went a combined 7 for 10 on Wednesday while the rest of the lineup finished 2 for 28.
The Cubs put runners on first and second with one out in the first and second innings against Cleveland starter Sam Hentges but failed to advance the runners.
Cubs right-hander Zach Davies couldn’t get through Cleveland’s lineup a third time but again looked good, continuing a strong May as he continues to bounce back from an awful April. Davies allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings, walking two and striking out four.
The Indians’ lone run off Davies quickly erased the Cubs’ one-run lead. Two-out doubles from Ildemaro Vargas and Pederson put the Cubs on top 1-0 in the sixth. But two pitches into the bottom of the inning, César Hernández and Amed Rosario each doubled to tie the game.
With the Indians threatening to take the lead in the sixth, Cubs manager David Ross turned to rookie left-hander Justin Steele in relief of Davies. Steele struck out Eddie Rosario and Josh Naylor to strand the go-ahead run on third.
