Cubs manager Craig Counsell deservedly got credit for some smart moves paying off in the Game 1 victory over San Diego.

His batting average slipped a bit with Wednesday’s 3-0 loss in Game 2. Using an opener in the first inning didn’t work out, he stuck with Shota Imanaga two batters too long, and isn’t it time to move the scorching-hot Seiya Suzuki higher in the batting order?

But the bottom line is this: You can’t win if you don’t score and the Cubs’ offense was quiet with only 4 hits. Former Cubs pitcher Yu Darvish will take the mound for San Diego in the decisive Game 3 on Thursday. Colin Rea pitched in relief Wednesday, which means Jameson Taillon will get the ball for Game 3.

Suzuki, batting fifth in the order behind Kyle Tucker, saw his home run streak end at five straight games,

See Full Page