Chicago Cubs closer Jacob Webb blew his third consecutive save opportunity Tuesday, allowing a game-tying homer in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs held a 3-1 lead heading into the ninth inning and Webb got off to a solid start, retiring the first two batters, but allowed a single to bring All-Star infielder Jackson Chourio to the plate. Chourio took advantage of a belt-high changeup, hitting a two-run homer to tie the game.
The Brewers went on to win the game in the 10th inning. That marks the third consecutive save opportunity in which Webb allowed either a walk-off or game-tying homer with two outs, making him the first pitcher to do so in three consecutive save opportunities since saves became an official stat in 1969. The first of these three appearances came against the Seattle Mariners on August. 22, when he allowed three runs in 0.2 innings as the Cubs suffered a loss.
The second of these opportunities came in his subsequent appearance against the Arizona Diamondbacks, when a Ryan Waldschmidt homer ended the game. Webb is aware of his recent struggles, and briefly spoke his mind after the loss. Webb had a strong track record heading into his Aug. 22 appearance against the Mariners, posting a 2.21 ERA prior to that point.
Since then, though, his ERA rose to 3.36—allowing two or more runs on four occasions in just six appearances. The Cubs have generally used a closer by committee system this year, but Webb has the most opportunities and saves of anyone on the team. His nine saves on the year are six more than any other player on the team.
Despite Webb's recent run of disappointing form, the Cubs still have a strong grip on a postseason spot for the time being. They currently sit three games ahead of the third Wild Card spot, currently held by the Arizona Diamondbacks, and are just 0.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies, who currently hold the top spot in the Wild Card. With less than three weeks remaining in the season, the Cubs will look to get right as they prepare for more October baseball.
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