Cliff Floyd Critiques Cubs’ Costly Error and Managerial Choices
The Chicago Cubs suffered a tough loss on Sunday, and post-game analyst Cliff Floyd had some strong opinions about what went wrong.
The Cubs had an opportunity to sweep the San Diego Padres in the afternoon game. The contest began with Ben Brown allowing three runs in the first inning, but the Cubs quickly answered back with five runs in the bottom of the inning. Chicago took advantage of four walks, two balks that led to two runs, and two hits.
In the second inning, with the score tied at 3-3, Kyle Tucker hit his first home run at Wrigley Field as a Cub, giving Chicago a 4-3 lead.
WELCOME TO CHICAGO, KYLE TUCKER. pic.twitter.com/JBUuPdn7Qf
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) April 6, 2025
Unfortunately, that would be the last run the Cubs scored for the game. Over the next seven innings, they failed to add any more offense.
The Padres eventually tied it up, bringing the game to 7-7 in the ninth inning. With runners on first and second, Ryan Pressley got a ground ball, but Justin Turner missed the throw at first base, allowing the runner from second to score. That error sealed the Cubs’ fate and cost them the chance to complete the series sweep.
Floyd, on the Marquee Sports Network postgame show, had some sharp comments about the critical error and the Cubs’ decision-making.
“That play in the ninth inning with Justin Turner just can’t happen,” Floyd said. “But I think the bigger issue for me, Cole, is the decision to not have Michael Busch in the game.”
Floyd was referring to the missed opportunity to substitute Busch for defensive purposes, despite pinch-hitting him for Matt Shaw earlier in the game. Busch was not used defensively, despite being a better fielder than Turner. In fact, Busch had a better Outs Above Average than Turner in 2024.
Additionally, Cubs manager Craig Counsell had previously used Busch as a pinch hitter against left-handed pitchers, but he missed the chance to do so in this game, where the Padres were throwing right-handed pitchers. Floyd felt it would have made sense to bring Busch in for Turner, especially considering Turner’s strikeout to end the game against right-hander Robert Suarez.
Counsell will likely face some questions about his decisions in the final moments of the game.
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