The Cubs' ice-cold offense stayed that way in a series-opening loss to the Pirates, a story that's gotten old real quick for fans.

It happened again Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field and the Pirates, who just allowed the Brewers 33 runs in a three-game series, gave the Cubs just two and the homestand began on a down note with a 3-2 loss.

The Cubs have dropped seven of their last 10 games while the Brewers have reeled off 12 straight victories. The Brewers have a 76-44 record, and that's the best mark in either league. The Cubs have fallen to 68-53 and they are tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for the top spot in the National League Wild Card race.

Most recently, his struggles continued as he went 0-for-11 with no walks and two strikeouts in a series loss to the Toronto Blue Jays, including 0-for-4 with a strikeout in the 2–1 loss during the final matchup of the three-game set.

The Chicago Cubs‘ lead in the NL Central evaporated quickly after the All-Star break, and the team is drowning in the Milwaukee Brewers’ surge. The Brewers entered Wednesday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a 7.