To say it’s been a frustrating start to the 2018 season would be an understatement for the Chicago Cubs. They made it a point not to repeat their slow start from 2017, but after five games it hasn’t gone to plan, including an embarrassing strikeout record.
The Cubs were shutout for the second straight game on Monday, losing 1-0 to the Cincinnati Reds. Right-handed starter Tyler Mahle pitched six scoreless innings, only allowing a two-out triple to Javier Baez. Mahle struck out seven batters that helped the Cubs tie a record no one wants.
In the top of the eighth inning, the Cubs loaded the bases with two outs and Anthony Rizzo was up at the plate against Reds closer Raisel Iglesias. Rizzo chased a fastball, striking out to leave the runners stranded and it was strikeout number 57 for the Cubs.
The 57 punch outs through the first five games of the season tied the 2009 Washington National for most during that stretch of games.
With 10 strikeouts on the day, the Cubs have tied the 2009 Nationals for most strikeouts by a National League team through its first five games. The Cubs have struck out 57 times so far. Two extra inning games over the weekend, including one that lasted… https://t.co/CmDZoA8Icr
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) April 2, 2018
The Cubs set the new record in the ninth, when Kyle Schwarber struck out.
Now 58 K's for the Cubs. Most ever by NL team through 5 games.
— Jesse Rogers (@ESPNChiCubs) April 2, 2018
The Cubs did play a 17-inning game Friday night and 10 innings on Saturday against the Miami Marlins, so that’s an extra eight innings that certainly helped fuel the strikeout record.
The Cubs dropped to 2-3 on the season after Monday’s loss.
