Stop me if you've heard this one before -- the Cubs got hits and defense and pitching when they needed them. (You probably haven't stopped me yet.)

Jack Brickhouse used to call rallies like the Cubs' ninth inning Monday "a day late and a dollar short." That was in the 1960s, when Cubs teams were as bad as this year's might be.

The Cubs got great starting pitching from Jeff Samardzija, but it wasn't enough, and they wound up being swept by the Braves.

There is only one question about Saturday night's loss, and you see it above.

The Cubs couldn't hit Mike Minor Friday night. You shouldn't be too surprised at this. (Give Minor at least minor credit.)

Travis Wood and three relievers dominated the Pirates lineup for eight innings. Then came Marmol in the ninth. Fortunately, Nate Schierholtz gave the Cubs just enough of a cushion to win the game.

We knew the Cubs' offense would struggle at times this year. Wednesday night was one of those times. Players are doing all they can just to keep warm.

Two key parts of the Cubs' future core -- Anthony Rizzo and Jeff Samardzija -- helped lead the team to victory on a cold Opening Day in Pittsburgh. And what are the Cubs going to do with Carlos Marmol?

The Cubs closer had another rough outing. We keep hoping that's not a sign of things to come, but the way things are going, it just might be.

The Cubs traveled to Houston and did not lose Friday night. But neither did they win. And therein is the tale of this pointless game.