And the Cubs just roll over and die in the 12th. Four games in and everything that shot this team in the foot last year has reared its ugly head. No true closer. Can't score without the longball. Can't score runners on third with less than two outs. Can't win one-run games. Can't win extra-inning games. I understand that they haven't played a pushover team so far, but what a contrast between what we saw opening day and what we've seen since.
The Brewers had almost 30 baserunners today. That is inexcusable, especially when 12 come from the walk. If this team's relying on the warm weather to get it going, they're in trouble. After all, when is the postseason played? Not exactly a warm time of year.
I think the Hawkins experiment is over. He's there by default, but hopefully they can go out at the deadline and pick up something resembling a good closer. Hawkins is good in the set-up role and utterly lacking of confidence in the closer's spot.
Not so much a heart-breaking loss today. My heart for Cubs baseball is still pretty numb from the meltdown last season. It's just more frustrating than anything. I'm not calling for drastic measures, but early in the going, it looks like nothing's changed since last season. I hope for the sanity of myself and all the Cubs faithful, this isn't the case.