Cubs continue to struggle at plate, lose to lowly Tigers
The Cubs are the first team in big-league history to score their only run via a solo homer in five straight games. (Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports)

Cubs continue to struggle at plate, lose to lowly Tigers


by - Senior Writer -

DETROIT — Extending a rather dismal MLB record, the Chicago Cubs scored their lone run of the game on a solo home run for the fifth straight time on Tuesday night in a 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers. In a low-scoring affair at Comerica Park, the Tigers garnered a two-run advantage in the opening frame and never relinquished the lead.

Leaving 21 runners stranded, the Cubs failed to generate much offense, which has been a theme of theirs lately. The North Siders' only run of the game came on an incredible solo jack from Rizzo, who skied a long ball to right field while on one knee, with the momentum of his swing at the low pitch causing him to kneel. Rizzo now boasts 19 home runs and 79 RBI on the season.

Starting on the mound for the Cubs was Kyle Hendricks, who was looking for his fourth win in five starts. Aside from the first inning, Hendricks pitched fairly well overall, as he lasted seven innings. He did get bailed out of several tight situations by timely double plays and bad hitting by the Tigers with runners in scoring position. Regardless, Hendricks accrued the loss and dropped to 9-10.

Former Cubs prospect Jeimer Candelario hit well for the Tigers in the leadoff spot, hitting two doubles and scoring one run. He incited Detroit in the bottom of the first by smacking a bloop two-bagger to center field to start the game. A single by Jose Iglesias that put runners on the corners followed, and Candelario then scored on an RBI groundout by Nicholas Castellanos. A few at-bats later, veteran slugger Victor Martinez provided the Tigers with a 2-0 edge on an RBI single that plated Iglesias.

From there, Tigers starting pitcher Jordan Zimmerman held the Cubs in check, with the exception of the Rizzo homer. After picking up the win for a six-inning, one-run outing, Zimmerman now sports a winning record, as he is 6-5. Tigers relief pitcher Shane Greene, who closed out the game in the ninth, attained his 27th save.

With just five runs to show for their last five outings, the Cubs (71-53) are in the midst of their worst offensive lapse in several seasons. They will look to regain life at the plate in the finale of their two-game series versus the Tigers (52-74) tomorrow night.

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