Chicago Cubs can’t crack Justin Verlander in frustrating loss to Giants

At 42 years old, Verlander has managed to limit damage well throughout his career. He did just that on Tuesday night, allowing just two earned runs across six innings pitched, despite giving up seven hits and walking two batters.

The Cubs squandered key scoring chances early, stranding runners on the corners in the first inning and leaving another in scoring position in the third. Rookie Matt Shaw, 19 years younger than Verlander, managed a two-out RBI single in the third to break through, but Michael Busch popped out on the first pitch to end the threat and leave more runners aboard.

In total, the Cubs went just 2-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Verlander finished strong, retiring the final four batters he faced, and the Giants’ bullpen followed suit with seven straight outs. That stretch led to three consecutive 1-2-3 innings before Dansby Swanson broke the skid with a single in the ninth, but it was too little, too late.

More ground lost in the National League Central

After gaining ground with two wins over the Brewers this past weekend, the Cubs watched their division rivals pull off another high-scoring victory on Tuesday, this time with an Isaac Collins walk-off sacrifice fly to beat the Diamondbacks. Milwaukee’s win, combined with Chicago’s loss to San Francisco, pushed the Cubs back to six and a half games behind in the NL Central. On the bright side, Chicago still holds the top Wild Card spot, a crucial position, as it guarantees home-field advantage for the opening best-of-three playoff series.

The Cubs and Giants will square off again on Wednesday evening, this time with Colin Rea matching up against Carson Whisenhunt.