I think the reason for their bad play this week is that they are bad at defense. All offenses slow down sometimes during the season, and I think it's giving the Cubs too much credit (and not giving enough credit to the Pirates' pitching) to say that the series in Chicago is what slowed them down, especially considering how they responded to blowing that 5-run lead by winning 13-4 the next day. La Roche didn't suck just now!!! 2-run shot, 3-0 Pirates!!