That Series Loss Was Annoying As Hell

Yu Darvish had arguably his best start with the Cubs on Wednesday, when he pitched 5.1 innings and struck out 11 Reds. More importantly, the right-hander didn't surrender a walk and was actually aggressive going after hitters. But it didn't matter because the bullpen eventually blew the game and then the Reds walked it off in extra innings.

Joe Maddon over managed and instead of having Mike Montgomery go a couple innings, the lefty only recorded two outs and was pinch-hit for. Brandon Kintzler gave up a home run, Kyle Ryan couldn't get Joy Votto out and Carl Edwards Jr. gave up a game-tying homer in the eighth.

David Bote's been bad and that's carried onto the field as well. The Cubs could have extended the game on Wednesday, but he whiffed on a ball at third and then dropped a throw from left that would have gotten an out on the same play.

Cubs eventually lost 6-5, wasting a good Darvish start.

Wednesday's loss was even more annoying because on Thursday the Cubs had to face Luis Castillo, who's been one of the best pitchers since last September.

But hey, the Cubs actually had a 2-0 lead until the bottom of the fifth inning and then Jose Quintana gave up a solo home run and later on a hit to the pitcher. Then, with two outs, back-to-back wild pitches tied the game.

And then the Reds took a 3-2 lead with a single.

After a rain delay the Cubs couldn't score against the Reds bullpen and lost. It's the first series loss since early April for the Cubs, but it's still annoying as hell because now they head to Washington and have to face Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg.

Oh and Trea Turner could be back too.

Pretty damn frustrating, but the Cubs were playing without Anthony Rizzo in Cincinnati, so that's something.

But hey, after going 23-7, it's easier to stomach a couple losses in a row even if they were extremely annoying.