Today’s Reflections
I would like to say that Clay Holmes’ game Friday night wasn’t that bad when he left the game. However, end the end, it WAS a bad game.
Holmes allowed only three hits over 5.1 innings with four strikeouts, but five big walks doomed him. He had a rough first three innings as the Cubs trailed, 3-2, at that point. He received a boost in the fourth with a two-run Cub inning for a 4-3 lead and Holmes responded with two good innings.
But it all fell apart in the sixth. Holmes left after he filled the bases with three walks with one out. Javier Assad was in a tough situation, but didn’t put out the fire as he allowed one-run and two-run singles as the Reds took a 6-4 lead and held it for the duration.
Offensively, the Cubs built their 4-3 lead with an RBI-single by Carson Kelly, a solo home run by Ian Happ and a two-RBI single by Seiya Suzuki. Michael Conforto had an empty 3-for-4 game. Kelly later had another single, a walk and a HBP. Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson each singled.
The Cubs had the opportunities, with nine hits and four walks, but they went 2-for 10 with RISP.
I appreciate your reading.
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Friday’s Game Stories:
- Bill Ladson (MLB.com): Wheels fall off in 6th frame for Holmes, Cubs in missed opportunity. ““I really couldn’t finish the outing. That’s what it comes down to. You can’t walk the leadoff guy in the sixth — the walks hurt us,” Holmes said.“
- Jeff Agrest (Chicago Sun-Times): Michael Busch’s caught-stealing caps Cubs’ frustrating loss to Reds. “Happ homered in the third inning, continuing his pillaging of Great American Ball Park. So why on earth did Michael Busch try stealing second base with two outs and Happ representing the tying run?”
- Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune {$}): Michael Busch’s baserunning miscue and Chicago Cubs’ lack of execution prove costly in 6-4 loss in Cincinnati. “For a Chicago Cubs team trying to secure the National League’s top wild-card spot, there were ample moments Friday night at Great American Ball Park they might dwell on as missed opportunities.”
Assorted Pitching Stories:
- Carson Wolf (Just Baseball): How Should the Cubs Stack Up Their Playoff Rotation? “The Chicago Cubs have several options for their postseason rotation, but which starters should get the ball in a postseason series?”
- Elias Schuster (Chicago Cubs {$}): Cubs’ Decision on Justin Steele Looms After Best Rehab Appearance Yet. “The Chicago Cubs could welcome Justin Steele back into the bullpen for their stretch run, but would it be too risky?”
Assorted Hitting Stories:
- Carson Wolf (Just Baseball): When Do We Buy Into Tyrone Taylor’s Shocking Heater? “Tyrone Taylor has quietly been a major force for months. Here’s what’s powering his surge and why it may be worth buying into.”
- Randy Holt (North Side Baseball): Alex Bregman’s Jekyll-and-Hyde Season Hasn’t Actually Been That Confusing. “Only four NL position players have been more valuable to their team in 2026 than Alex Bregman. What changed after a slow start, and where was the catalyst?”
- Jake Misener (Cubbies Crib): Cubs’ Pete Crow-Armstrong extension looks better than ever with new Elly De La Cruz rumor. “Reds and their superstar stuck in a marriage destined for failure?”
- Matt Sullivan (Sporting News): Cubs’ Ian Happ faces major problem with upcoming free agency. “”The big problem here for the four-time Gold Glover is that he’s a switch-hitter who is totally broken from one side,” Snyder writes. “As a right-handed hitter, Happ is slashing .150/.223/.276 with 48 strikeouts in 127 at-bats.”“
- Bill Ladson (MLB.com): Swanson returns from left oblique strain for Cubs’ final stretch. ““Since that time frame, I felt really good and figured some things out as far as what is going to work for me offensively — hopefully for the rest of my career,” he said.“
- Matt Sullivan (Sporting News): Why beloved Cubs outfielder’s free agent stock being high could be a problem. “”There had previously been concerns that he might need to become a full-time designated hitter, and instead he now grades out as above average in the field,” Snyder writes. “His stock is high heading toward the offseason.”“
Assorted Stories:
- AJ Cassavell (MLB.com): Now even with Cubs, Phillies for top WC spot, Padres take aim at home playoff series, “The Cubs had lost in Cincinnati. The Phillies had lost to the Mets. The Yankees hung a five-spot on the Diamondbacks in the top of the first inning and cruised to a win.”
- Rich Eberwein (Cubbies Crib): Cubs can find some much needed playoff optimism hiding inside one incredible stat. “The 2026 Cubs have one of the best offenses the franchise has ever seen”
- Brandon Click (Cubbies Crib): 2 things Cubs can’t ignore with the final 10 days of the season finally here. “It’s put up or shut up time.”
- Field Level Media (Yardbarker): With hope of being ‘the last team standing,’ Cubs seek to even series vs. Reds. “Despite their struggles of late — the Cubs have lost three of their past five games — they haven’t lost their belief.“
- Jordan Campbell (Cubbies Crib): Cubs could have perfect opportunity for front office change with Carter Hawkins in demand. “Change on the horizon?”
Food For Thought:
Joshua Barnes Howell, known as Peg Leg Howell (March 5, 1888 – August 11, 1966), was an American blues singer-songwriter and guitarist, who connected early country blues and the later 12-bar style. He was one of the first recorded artists of the Atlanta blues scene during the pre-war period, and he was also one of the first blues musicians to ever make a race record.
Joshua Barnes Howell was born on March 5, 1888, on a farm in Eatonton, Georgia, to Thomas Howell and Ruthie Myrick. During his childhood, he grew up around music, but did not take a serious interest in playing music until his early twenties. He completed school in the 9th grade, and went to work alongside his father as a farm hand.
In 1909, he reportedly stayed up one night and taught himself to play the guitar at the age of 21. He became skilled in pre-Piedmont fingerpicking and slide guitar techniques. He continued working on the farm until 1916, when he was shot during an argument with his brother-in-law, as a result of which he lost his right leg, and had to wear a prosthetic afterwards.
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