Rockies 9, Cubs 5: Slammed

Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty ImagesWith the 2024 season almost over and the Cubs’ postseason chances hanging by an ever-thinner thread, their 9-5 loss to the Rockies seemed in some ways a microcosm of said season.

Early lead? Check.

Blown lead? Check.

Okay starting pitching? Check.

Late-inning comeback? Check.

Bullpen failure? Well, that’s what cost the Cubs this game, Drew Smyly and Nate Pearson combined to give the Rockies a four-run eighth and that, as they say, was that.

Let’s begin at the beginning.

This game started well for the Cubs. Ian Happ led off with a walk and advanced to third on a double by Dansby Swanson.

One out later, Cody Bellinger singled in both runners [VIDEO].

But Javier…