Time is running out for the Cleveland Guardians to save the 2025 season.

After losing to the Chicago Cubs 5-2 last night, the Guardians are 40-43. That’s three games out of the playoffs.

During the five-game losing streak, Cleveland has only scored in two innings. That means the Guardians …

·      Were shut out three times

·      Scored six runs in an inning and lost, and

·      Scored twice in the fourth inning of last night’s loss

Cleveland’s pitching has been fine. But if the Guardians’ bats don’t wake up soon, players will get shipped out of town by the end of the month.

HELLO, OLD FRIEND

Matthew Boyd started for the Cubs and improved his record to 8-2. The lefty helped the Guardians during last year’s playoff run.

Boyd pitched seven strong innings, giving up five hits and striking out five. He has a 2.65 ERA and is one of the reasons why the Cubs are leading the NL Central Division.

Chicago staked Boyd to a 3-0 lead in the second inning. Michael Busch hit an RBI single off Cleveland starter Gavin Williams (5-4).

Carson Kelly added a two-run single to score Busch and Dansby Swanson.

MILD COMEBACK

Cleveland scored its two runs in the fourth inning. Nolan Jones singled to score Carlos Santana.

Angel Martinez added a sacrifice fly to score Lane Thomas.

The Cubs increased the lead to 4-2 in the sixth when Seiya Suzuki bashed his 23rd home run of the season.

Kelly added a sacrifice fly to pad the Cubs’ lead in the eighth inning.

Santana hit his 400th career double, ranking fifth among active players.

MORE TV COVERAGE

The series will continue tonight at Wrigley Field. Cleveland will be on national TV for the third straight time, as ESPN will televise the game at 8 o’clock.

Tanner Bibee (4-8) will take the mound against Cubs lefty Shota Imanaga (4-2).