Rockies 1 - 4 Cubs
Final
  for this game

Cubs, Rockies set for long series at Wrigley Field

Jul 28, 2014 - 2:56 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - If you've going to lose six of every 10 games over the course of a summer, at least handling it in a professional manner is a moral victory.

That's the story of the 2014 Chicago Cubs, who'll continue a long trudge through a lost season on Monday night at Wrigley Field, where the Colorado Rockies will visit to begin a four-game series.

Chicago has lost two in a row and four of five heading into the week, and is buried deep in the basement of the National League Central, 15 1/2 games behind the front-running Milwaukee Brewers. It's lost 15 of 19 overall, too, but manager Rick Renteria is nonetheless impressed with the everyday approach of the youngsters.

"The big picture is that we want to win every game, but the way we're competing and holding our own on a daily basis, I think the attitude that these young men have is in the right place," Renteria said. "I think they're trying to do things the right way."

Colorado's series-ending loss to Pittsburgh on Sunday kept it tied with the Cubs for the league lead in defeats (61), though its collective .282 team batting average is best in the majors.

Nonetheless, a just-completed six-game homestand resulted in only a .500 record. The Rockies have lost 12 of 13 on the road.

"We (could) have gone 4-2 on the homestand, but it is what it is," Colorado's Nolan Arenado said.

Rookie southpaw Tsuyoshi Wada gets the call on the mound for the Cubs in the third start of a fledgling big-league career.

He was an 8-3 loser to San Diego on Wednesday after allowing five runs in four innings, while his debut on July 8 saw him get a no-decision after allowing an unearned run in five innings against Cincinnati -- in a game the Cubs ultimately lost, 6-5.

"Compared to that game, I didn't have control (Wednesday) overall," Wada said. "There are very few opportunities that I've had here. I didn't do well (Wednesday) and I feel bad. I'm glad I'm getting an opportunity to pitch here."

Another first-year lefty, Yohan Flande, makes his fifth career start for the Rockies.

He was beaten, 7-4, by Washington on Tuesday after giving up four runs in 5 1/3 innings of work. In 20 overall innings, opponents have managed 26 hits while compiling a .329 batting average.

On Sunday in Colorado, Josh Harrison and Gregory Polanco hit back-to-back homers in the eighth inning to lift the Pittsburgh Pirates over the Rockies, 7-5, in the finale of a three-game set.

Brandon Barnes and Arenado both homered for the Rockies.

Rex Brothers (3-5) was tagged with the loss after surrendering both home runs in the eighth.

In Chicago, Adam Wainwright pitched seven strong innings as the St. Louis Cardinals grabbed a 1-0 win over the Cubs in the finale of a three-game set.

Kyle Hendricks (1-1) allowed the one run on seven hits with two strikeouts over 6 1/3 innings for the Cubs.

Colorado and Chicago split six meetings last season.






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