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Cubs lose series finale to Royals 8-4

Cubs drop critical game at Wrigley Field, series ends 2-1 in favor of Royals.

July 23, 2025 at 09:17 PM

Cubs takeaways: What we learned in rubber-match series loss to Royals

Discover key insights from the Cubs' series loss to the Royals at Wrigley Field.

Cubs stumble against Royals in series finale

In a disappointing finish for the Chicago Cubs, the Kansas City Royals secured an 8-4 victory in the rubber match at Wrigley Field. The Royals capitalized on four two-run home runs, largely fueled by an early error from Seiya Suzuki, which set a troubled tone for the Cubs. Despite a late rally featuring a homer from Pete Crow-Armstrong, the damage was done, leading to the Cubs dropping the series 2-1. Starting pitcher Colin Rea struggled, ultimately yielding six runs over five innings, prompting concerns over his performance amid the Cubs' playoff push. Meanwhile, rookie Matt Shaw showcased promise, hitting a home run, adding to his recent surge post-All-Star break.

Key Takeaways

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Cubs' pitching instability raises concerns as playoff season approaches.

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Seiya Suzuki's early error contributed to a challenging start for the Cubs.

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Colin Rea's performance continues to be inconsistent, allowing six runs in five innings.

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Rookie Matt Shaw is showing signs of improvement, hitting three homers since the All-Star break.

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Cubs need to tighten defense to avoid future errors that can cost games.

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The upcoming series against the White Sox is crucial for Cubs' playoff hopes.

"The early error set a troubling tone for the Cubs in a must-win game."

This highlights the impact of defensive mistakes on the game's outcome.

"Colin Rea's performance continues to raise eyebrows amid playoff aspirations."

This emphasizes the need for reliable pitching as the season progresses.

"Matt Shaw's emergence could provide the Cubs with a much-needed offensive boost."

This points to the potential for young talent to influence the team's performance.

The Cubs' series loss reflects ongoing struggles in their pitching rotation, particularly with Colin Rea's inconsistency. Errors like Suzuki's must be addressed if the team hopes to maintain its playoff position. On a brighter note, Matt Shaw's emergence post-All-Star break could provide a much-needed boost for the offense in the coming games. The looming crosstown matchup against the White Sox presents a critical opportunity for the Cubs to regain momentum and reestablish their competitive edge. However, if they cannot rectify these issues, their playoff aspirations may falter.

Highlights

Cubs cannot afford errors if they want to stay in the playoff race.
Consistency from the pitching staff is essential for Cubs' success.
Shaw's surge could be the spark the Cubs need for a turnaround.
The road ahead is critical for the Cubs as they face the White Sox.

Cubs face potential backlash from fans over performance

Following a disappointing series loss, Cubs fans may express frustration about the team's failures in crucial moments, especially concerning errors and pitching performance.

The Cubs face an uphill battle to correct their course as they prepare for their next series.

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