Cubs' losing streak reaches four after rare misplay by second baseman Nico Hoerner – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Pixabay)
Atlanta – A single underhanded flip gone wrong turned a tight contest into another defeat for the Cubs on Wednesday night. Second baseman Nico Hoerner’s rare error in the eighth inning opened the door for the Braves to pull away, leaving Chicago with its first four-game losing streak of the season. The 4-1 result at Truist Park also marked the Braves as the first team in the majors to reach 30 wins.
The Play That Changed Everything
With the score tied 1-1, Hoerner fielded a slow roller from Michael Harris II and chose to shovel the ball underhanded with his glove toward first baseman Michael Busch. The throw sailed high and over Busch’s head, allowing Harris to reach safely and ignite the Braves rally.
Manager Craig Counsell later described the sequence as a tough play that Hoerner would likely replay in his mind. Hoerner himself admitted he misread the timing and could have transferred the ball to his throwing hand instead of relying on instinct. The official scorer ruled it a hit rather than an error, but the damage was done.
Imanaga’s Strong Start Goes to Waste
Shota Imanaga had kept the Braves in check for most of the night, retiring the side in order in five of his seven-plus innings. He issued no walks and allowed just five hits, including a solo homer by Drake Baldwin that traveled 402 feet.
Despite the solid line, Imanaga took responsibility for the outcome. He noted that keeping the game scoreless would have given the Cubs a real chance to win. The left-hander’s effort stood out on a night when the offense managed little support.
Braves Bullpen Closes the Door
After Imanaga exited, reliever Phil Maton surrendered a tiebreaking double to pinch hitter Mike Yastrzemski and a two-run homer to Mauricio Dubon. Raisel Iglesias then worked a scoreless ninth for his eighth save of the season.
The Braves bullpen has now held the Cubs to two singles across 10 scoreless innings in the last two games. Chicago has scored just three runs during its current skid, a sharp contrast to the strong pitching it received earlier in the series.
Cubs Add Experienced Arm to Depth
In a separate move, the Cubs signed reliever Liam Hendriks to a minor-league contract. The 37-year-old, who previously starred as an All-Star closer for the White Sox, will begin his assignment at the team’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, before a possible assignment to Triple-A Iowa.
Counsell framed the signing as a low-risk opportunity to add proven experience. Hendriks has drawn attention for his public battle with and recovery from Stage 4 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, though the immediate focus remains on his potential contribution to the bullpen later this season.
The Cubs now turn their attention to stopping the slide before it grows longer. Early returns suggest the pitching staff remains capable, yet the offense must find ways to generate runs if the team hopes to reverse its recent fortunes.
