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5 things we learned from a disappointing 8-5 loss to the Cubs

It was a rough loss, but a clean one. The Cardinals made zero errors, mounted a late comeback, and were overmatched by a pitcher who had his stuff working.
Matt Marton-USA TODAY SPORTS

Some games just don't go your way and there's little you can do about it.

The Cardinals were thoroughly dominated on Thursday afternoon by the Chicago Cubs. They were outhit 14 to 5. The Cards didn't even muster a hit off Jon Lester until the fifth inning when Jedd Gyorko collected a single. The Cards didn't commit an error; they simply couldn't break through. It happens.

Here are five takeaways from the 8-5 loss that left the Cardinals 10-8 on the season.

5) Dexter Fowler bugs me in right field. It bugs me anywhere out there. I don't like how he catches fly balls in his chest or how he lounges towards balls hit into the gap. Maybe it's just my view on his hustle, but the man takes his time out there. The conspiracy theorists can rest, because it doesn't just happen against the Cubs. Fowler will literally jog to a ball hit past him. Everything started yesterday when he did this and then fumbled the ball, launching the Cubs first attack. I'm not putting it all on Fowler, but he also went 0-5 at the plate. His defense bugs me.

4) Luke Weaver had a bad day, but I'll take a rough outing that is full of hits and not walks. The Cubs killed Weaver softly on Thursday, poking singles where the defense wasn't and working him over early and often. The kid wasn't good, but he didn't give free passes. I'll take that as a growing pain. A required stop on the trek to greatness.

3) Matt Bowman is broken. It's not a rumor. Mike Matheny overused this toy the past three seasons and the kid is no longer able to provide confidence when he's out there. Bowman gave up a two-run back-breaking home run to Jason Heyward, who has trouble hitting long balls in batting practice, much less a game. There are better options. John Brebbia and Mike Mayers to start. Stop using Bowman. He's bad.

2) Marcell Ozuna has four extra-base hits in his 19 hits and just two walks. Is that a problem? Right now, it's not. Something to keep an eye on.

1) Both Fowler and Matt Carpenter are hitting below .200, so hopefully, that changes. I know these two men are OBP-powered hitters, but they need to get over .200. A little consistency would be nice.

Bonus takeaway: Greg Holland had a clean outing, walking a batter and striking one out. It's a start. Oh, hey Luke Gregerson, good job.

It was a rough loss, but a clean one. The Cardinals made zero errors, mounted a late comeback, and were overmatched by a pitcher who had his stuff working. You take it in, reflect on it (never pitch Bowman unless the game is 16-1), and get ready to bash the Cincinnati Reds around this weekend.

Thanks for reading,

DLB

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