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Welcome to today’s episode of Cub Tracks news and notes™, a greatest-hits collection of Chicago-style beat writers and bloggers, ground from #Cubs, #MiLB, and #MLB baseball, overheated, steeped in writers’ tears, and then cold-brewed overnight for maximum flavor.

Hooray for early scoring and Pat on the tv. PCA with a second start, more hooray.

#ExtendCodyBellinger.

But then... I don’t even want to talk about the fifth inning. Cripes.

You just can’t get beat like that by a team like that. Discouraging. 11 runners left on base and 3-for-12 with RISP. Fugly. Wasting Nico Hoerner’s four hits, too. Today’s a day off. Use it for a reset. I had more to say but I lost it in the sun. It’s a 15-game season now.

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Mervis continues to mash.

• Jordan Bastian (MLB.com*): Cubs’ miscues end Colorado trip on sour note. “... Chicago’s play lagged during the team’s three-day visit to Coors Field.” Reuters has more. The AP also has some*.
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): Cubs keeping big picture in mind after disappointing series in Colorado. “It was a series to forget for the Cubs in multiple aspects.”
• Paul Sullivan (Chicago Tribune*): With the Chicago Cubs in a heated race, every decision by manager David Ross is highly scrutinized. “For a guy who participated in “Dancing With the Stars,” Chicago Cubs manager David Ross has no real feel for Hollywood endings.” BSM has more Ross.
• Rich Eberwein (Cubbies Crib*): Justin Steele is now favored to win the NL Cy Young. “Steele is listed as the favorite to win the National League Cy Young award after his last start pushed him ahead of Blake Snell in the ERA stat.”
• Brett Taylor (Bleacher Nation*): Marcus Stroman moving to a five-day schedule, willing to contribute in any role. “... he’s throwing live BP and bullpens seemingly without issue...” References Mully and Haugh.
• Meghan Montemurro (Chicago Tribune*): Can the Chicago Cubs bullpen step up without closer Adbert Alzolay? ‘We’ll match them up as best as possible.’ “The one thing I appreciate tonight is the back end of the bullpen when they’re healthy,” Ross said.

• Maddie Lee (Chicago Sun-Times*): Cubs getting offensive lift from defense-first catcher Yan Gomes. ‘‘Honestly, put the ball in the air,’’ Gomes said of his approach.
• Tony Andracki (Marquee Sports Network*): Nick Madrigal has become the Cubs’ answer at third base. “... Candelario is on the IL with a back injury and it looks like Madrigal will get even more playing time.”
• Patrick Mooney (The Athletic {$}): Cody Bellinger, Pete Crow-Armstrong and the Cubs’ wide range of possibilities. “... this Cubs team was never set up for one make-or-break season.”

Food For Thought:

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