Struggling Chicago Cubs Offense Must Get Going, But How?

The Chicago Cubs have been lackluster over the course of the last week and the offense is to blame. But what can be done?
Struggling Chicago Cubs Offense Must Get Going, But How?
Struggling Chicago Cubs Offense Must Get Going, But How? /
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The Chicago Cubs arrived in Washington, D.C., with a lot of confidence and a powerful offense.

They left reeling, having dropped three of four to the Washington Nationals.

The Cubs have averaged 3.5 runs per game and hit .180 with runners in scoring position over their past 12 games. They’ve gone 3-9 during that stretch.

Chicago will now host the Miami Marlins for three games. It wasn’t that long ago that the Cubs were swept in Miami.

“[Thursday] was a tough loss, for sure,” manager David Ross said following a 4-3 setback to the Nationas. “Definitely a tough loss. But this group's shown they don't quit. They fight really hard.”

The Cubs have no choice but to fight really hard.

Reports have stated that top prospect Matt Mervis is set to join the club.

Go up and down the lineup and the Cubs feature plenty of talent.

But during the course of a marathon 162-game regular season, even the likes of Dansby Swanson and Nico Hoerner will go through slumps.

It’s about limiting the losing streaks.

“These are definitely the moments that test teams,” right-hander Jameson Taillon told reporters. “But I think it helps that we’ve had a lot of guys who have run the race of 162 for many, many years. You know that these types of tough losses happen and you don't want to overreact. Obviously, it's not time to hit the panic button or anything. But I think we’re going home with maybe a sense of urgency, like, ‘Let's step on it a little bit, get back on track.'”

That’s the goal. Getting a win over the Marlins in the series opener would be a major confidence boost.

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Andy Jasner
ANDY JASNER

Andy Jasner is a freelance writer based in the Philadelphia area. Jasner graduated from Syracuse University in 1991 and has worked for newspapers, magazines and websites including CBS SportsLine and ESPN.com. Jasner has written two books -- Baltimore Ravens and Phil Jasner: On The Case. Follow him on Twitter at @AndyJasner.