Steele returns, but Cubs fall to A's, are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention with 10 games left
Strong outing from Steele not enough for North Siders
Chicago starter goes six innings, allows two runs but Cubs offense can't muster enough to keep playoff hopes alive
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Keegan Thompson started Tuesday's game in the midst of a historic stretch for Cubs starting pitchers. He was aiming to make it nine consecutive starts allowing three runs or fewer.
He allowed three in the first inning alone.
The Cubs went on to lose to the Oakland Athletics 4-2, falling to 66-75 this season and all but mathematically eliminating themselves from playoff contention.
Steele -- who began the season in the bullpen and has transitioned back into a starting role -- pitched well after the first, allowing just one more run on five hits and two walks the rest of the way.
Unfortunately for Steele, the Cubs' bats couldn't provide him much run support. Ian Happ drove in the Cubs' first run with a single in the second inning to cut the A's lead to 3-1. Patrick Wisdom launched his 25th home run of the season to lead off the fourth, getting the Cubs within one again, but it wasn't enough.
The Cubs had a chance to tie it in the sixth inning. Nico Hoerner led off with a single and stole second base. With one out, Happ was intentionally walked. However, Steele struck out Seiya Suzuki and got Yan Gomes to fly out to end the inning.
The Cubs had one last chance in the ninth, putting runners on first and second with two outs. But A's closer Dany Jimenez came in and struck out Alfonso Rivas to end the game, sending the Cubs home with another loss.
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