Cubs Struggle with RISP in Narrow Loss to Mariners

In a tightly contested game, the Chicago Cubs fell to the Seattle Mariners 6-5, despite showcasing a powerful offense with 12 hits and four home runs. The Cubs left 11 runners stranded on base, a significant factor in their defeat, as they managed only one hit in 16 attempts with runners in scoring position, marking their worst performance in that category this season.

The scoring began early for the Cubs, with Pete Crow-Armstrong leading off the game with a home run on a nine-pitch at-bat. This marked Crow-Armstrong's seventh leadoff home run of the season, tying him for sixth place in franchise history. Following him, Alex Bregman hit a two-run homer, giving the Cubs a promising 3-0 lead in the first inning.

However, the Mariners quickly responded, with Cal Raleigh hitting a three-run homer to tie the game after a rocky start from Cubs pitcher Matthew Boyd. Seattle then took the lead, capitalizing on a throwing error by Nico Hoerner in the fifth inning, which allowed Randy Arozarena to score, extending their advantage to 5-3.

The Cubs had multiple opportunities to close the gap, but failed to convert with runners in scoring position during the third, fourth, and fifth innings. Boyd's performance included six innings pitched, allowing five runs (four earned), while the Cubs' manager Craig Counsell was ejected after a controversial balk call, adding to the game's tension.

Ultimately, the Cubs' inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities proved costly, as the Mariners secured the win despite the Cubs' offensive firepower. The game highlighted the ongoing struggles of the Cubs in critical situations, raising questions about their ability to convert chances into runs.