Analyzing The Cubs' Performance: Game 16, 2025

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 13, 2025

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Offensive Performance Breakdown

Hitting Statistics

The Cubs' bats struggled to consistently connect against Brewers pitching, leading to a disappointing offensive showing. Analyzing the Cubs batting stats, we see some glaring inconsistencies:

• Seiya Suzuki continued his strong season, showcasing his power with a 2 RBI double in the 5th inning. However, his overall average dipped slightly due to several strikeouts against off-speed pitches.
• Dansby Swanson’s struggles against left-handed pitching were once again evident. He went 0-3 with two strikeouts against Brewers lefty, Wade Miley. This ongoing issue needs attention in the upcoming games.
• Ian Happ had a relatively quiet game, failing to reach base in three at-bats. His usual consistent performance was missing in action.
• The team's overall batting average was a low .210, highlighting the need for improvement in their Cubs hitting performance. The on-base percentage (OBP) was equally concerning, sitting at just .280.

Offensive Strategy Analysis

The Cubs' Cubs offensive strategy appeared overly passive at times, particularly against Brewers starting pitcher Corbin Burnes. They seemed reluctant to swing at early pitches, resulting in numerous unproductive at-bats.

• Several key hitters were repeatedly caught looking at strike three. This demonstrates a need for more aggressive swinging at hittable pitches, especially early in counts.
• There was a notable lack of timely hitting with runners in scoring position. The Cubs stranded multiple runners, leaving potential runs on the base paths.
• Adjusting their Cubs batting approach to be more aggressive against specific pitchers would significantly improve their offensive output.

Defensive Performance Evaluation

Fielding Highlights and Lowlights

While the Cubs' offense struggled, their Cubs defense provided some bright spots.

• Nico Hoerner showcased his exceptional range with a spectacular diving catch in the 6th inning, robbing the Brewers of an extra-base hit. This play proved crucial in limiting the Brewers' scoring opportunities.
• Conversely, a costly error by Cody Bellinger in the 8th inning led to an unearned run, directly impacting the game's outcome. This Cubs fielding errors highlight the need for consistency in their defensive efforts.
• Overall, the Cubs defensive highlights couldn’t fully compensate for the lowlights.

Starting Pitching Analysis

Justin Steele delivered a solid performance on the mound, showcasing his effectiveness against a formidable Brewers lineup. His Cubs starting pitcher performance included:

• 6 innings pitched
• 7 strikeouts
• 2 earned runs
• Effectively mixing his fastball and changeup, keeping the Brewers batters off balance.
• His overall Cubs pitching performance was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult game.

Bullpen Performance and Relief Efforts

Analysis of Relief Pitching

The Cubs' Cubs bullpen performance was a mixed bag. While some relievers performed admirably, others faltered under pressure.

• Mark Leiter Jr. pitched a scoreless 7th inning, showcasing his continued improvement. His effectiveness in keeping the Brewers off the board was a positive.
• However, the relief pitching in the late innings proved vulnerable. The bullpen's inability to hold a one-run lead in the 9th resulted in the loss.

High-Leverage Situations

The Cubs' Cubs bullpen management in high-leverage situations needs review.

• The team struggled to execute in critical moments of the game. Their inability to protect a late lead is a concern.
• The Cubs high-leverage situations revealed a lack of consistent closing options.

Conclusion

This Cubs Game 16 Performance Analysis reveals a team struggling with offensive consistency, specifically against left-handed pitching. While Justin Steele provided a strong starting performance and Nico Hoerner showcased his defensive prowess, the team needs to address their struggles in timely hitting and bullpen management. Key insights include the need for a more aggressive offensive approach, improved defense in crucial moments, and a more reliable bullpen strategy in high-leverage situations. The Cubs late-game performance was a significant factor in this loss.

Stay tuned for our next analysis of Cubs game performance as we continue to dissect their 2025 season. Keep checking back for more in-depth analyses of Cubs Game performance!