Heading into the 2020 season, the biggest question mark for the Cubs was their bullpen and how they’d perform. In our 2020 season simulation, the bullpen had proven to be reliable and among the league’s best.

Except on Monday.

Brad Wieck gave up the winning run in the 8^th inning as the virtual Cubs fell to the Pirates 3-2. The Cubs fell to 17-12 on the season.

Jon Lester allowed a 2-run home run to Josh Bell in the 1^st inning but bounced back in a big way. Lester pitched 7 innings, striking out 9 and allowing just that Bell home run.

The Cubs rallied with a solo home run from Steven Souza Jr. in the 2^nd and a Javy Báez sacrifice fly in the 3^rd. However, the Cubs bats could not push across a go-ahead run. They had the tying run on base in the 9^th inning, but Victor Caratini flew out to end the game.

The Cubs continue their series against the Pirates Tuesday at 1 p.m. on our Facebook page.