CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs lost to the Colorado Rockies 7-2 on Tuesday night. Here's a quick look at the game.
How it happened: The Rockies jumped on Cubs starter Dallas Beeler as the first five batters reached base -- three of them with doubles. When the smoke cleared, Colorado was up 4-0 as Beeler lasted just 1 1/3 innings. Jorge Soler got one back with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning, but Colorado added to their lead in the fifth on a Corey Dickerson groundout which plated DJ LeMahieu. Chris Coghlan hit a pinch-hit home run in the seventh for the Cubs to make it 5-2, but Rafael Soriano got hit again, giving up two in the eighth.
What it means: The timing could not have been any better for the Cubs' front office. There is no uncertainty now (not that there was before); the Cubs need another starting pitcher, as it would be a surprise to see Beeler get another chance before September. He simply didn't have it, and the Cubs don't have games to waste anymore. Tsuyoshi Wada isn't the answer, either. The non-waiver trade deadline is Friday; expect at least one starter by then and maybe even more in August.
It looks like the Cubs made a mistake by signing Soriano. His second-half issues from a year ago have picked up where they left off. His ERA is 7.71 after five appearances. Before the game, Maddon said he just needs more time to round into form. The Cubs might not have it.
Baez back: Triple-A Iowa infielder Javier Baez returned to action on Tuesday after being sidelined with a left wrist injury. He went 2-for-5 with two home runs.
What's next: The rubber game of the series takes place on Wednesday afternoon when Jon Lester (5-8, 3.32) takes on Eddie Butler (3-6, 4.77) at 1:20 p.m. CT.
