Rookie pitcher Cade Horton is quickly making a name for himself in Major League Baseball. He’s been turning heads with his impressive performances on the mound for the Chicago Cubs.
Despite his strong efforts and almost spotless ERA, the Cubs haven’t managed to turn Horton’s starts into wins. He’s been left with several no-decisions to kick off his career.
The recent loss against the Boston Red Sox really put the spotlight on a familiar problem: Chicago’s bullpen just keeps falling apart late in close games. Horton’s solid starts seem to go to waste far too often, and honestly, it’s a bit frustrating to watch.
Cade Horton’s Stellar Start: A Glimpse of What’s to Come
In just four starts, Horton has shown off his skill and calm demeanor. He’s boasting a 0.38 ERA and continues to keep opposing offenses quiet.
His latest outing against the Red Sox? He held them to two hits, three walks, and struck out four over 5 2/3 innings. He left the game with the Cubs barely hanging onto a 1-0 lead.
Once again, he proved he can handle tough competition and rise to the occasion when it matters most.
Poise Against a Veteran Lineup
This game gave Horton another shot to shine under the bright lights at Wrigley Field. And he didn’t disappoint.
Cubs manager Craig Counsell praised Horton’s poise and his knack for adjusting to Boston’s dangerous lineup. Facing a challenge like that isn’t easy, but Horton managed to keep his cool and control the game when things got tense.
When the Bullpen Falters, The Cubs Falter
Unfortunately, what’s become a troubling trend for the Cubs happened again: the bullpen just couldn’t hold it together. The relievers let the Red Sox back into the game in the seventh and eighth innings, giving up three home runs and six unanswered runs.
Boston’s Wilyer Abreu turned into the game-changer, knocking out two huge home runs that erased Chicago’s lead. The Cubs ended up dropping the game 6-1.
Shoring Up the Bullpen: Managerial Decisions and Future Options
The Cubs are tied for first in the NL Central with the Milwaukee Brewers, so every game feels like it matters a little more. That loss to Boston just highlights how badly the bullpen needs attention.
There’s talk that the Cubs might call up some fresh arms from the minors or activate rehabbing players like Javier Assad or Miguel Amaya. They need some depth, and soon.
Offensive Struggles Continue to Plague the Cubs
Even with Horton pitching his heart out, Chicago’s offense couldn’t back him up. Ian Happ drove in the Cubs’ only run with a single in the second inning.
After that, the bats just went quiet and the team missed out on a few chances to score. To be fair, the offense looked better in earlier games of the series, so it’s not like they’re always this flat.
Staying Optimistic Amid Challenges
It’s tough to stay upbeat after a loss like that, but the Cubs aren’t giving up. Horton looks like a future ace, the lineup is starting to find its groove, and there have been stretches of really solid play this season.
As they get ready to face the Kansas City Royals, the Cubs are hoping to get back on track and keep their playoff hopes alive. Sometimes, all it takes is one good game to turn the mood around.
What’s Next for the Cubs?
For now, everyone’s watching the Cubs’ bullpen. Management faces some tricky choices as they get ready for their next game against Kansas City.
Assad just started his rehab assignment. Horton’s been turning heads lately, which feels like a much-needed boost for Chicago.
The Cubs really need to sort out their bullpen. They also have to find some kind of rhythm at the plate if they want to start stacking up wins.
Cade Horton’s recent outings? They’ve brought a fresh sense of pride and energy to Wrigley Field. Even though the victories haven’t piled up yet, you can feel a shift in the air.
With Horton’s star rising, the Cubs have the talent to do more than just hang around—they could actually make some noise. Still, if they don’t fix their late-game struggles, all that potential might just stay… well, potential.
Here is the source article for this story: Another no-decision for Cade Horton as the Chicago Cubs lose 6-1 to the Boston Red Sox
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