With just a few games left, the Chicago Cubs need every break they can get. They are in a fierce battle with the Philadelphia Phillies and San Diego Padres for a National League Wild Card spot.
On Tuesday, they had a chance to gain an edge. However, after 11 innings with the score tied at 2, the Cubs faltered in the top of the 12th. They gave up six runs and lost 8-2.
They maximized their rotation by bringing in seven pitchers. Then, their bullpen was left with Caleb Thielbar and Edward Cabrera suffering the most. Plus, Chicago had plenty of chances to win. However, they went 1-for-18 with runners in scoring position and left 15 runners on base.
Matt Shaw tried to bunt in the 10th with Michael Bush on after he was intentionally walked. However, it was to no avail. If he had succeeded, the Cubs would have had the winning run on 3rd base with one out.
Furthermore, the Cubs are locked in a 3-way tie with the Phillies and Padres, per ESPN. All three are 87-70 with five games left in the regular season. The Phillies beat the Milwaukee Brewers 6-4 on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Padres lost to the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-0.
Article Continues BelowIf all three finish the season tied, the Cubs will hold the top seed in the Wild Card. That is because they hold the head-to-head tiebreakers over the Phillies and Padres.
The moment feels precarious for the Cubs.
Yes, they have Pete Crow-Armstrong putting up MVP numbers. But at the same time, Alex Bregman is battling a facial injury.
Right now, every win counts. Beyond that, they need to close out a game.