Miscues Cost Chicago Cubs Their First Series Win, Reds Win 4-3

The Chicago Cubs' brief winning streak ended abruptly as they lost their fifth consecutive series after the Cincinnati Reds were able to pull out a close one 4-3.

The Cubs fall to 4-12 and 3-7 at home as they hit the road to St. Louis.

Here is what we learned from this Cubs loss.

Defensive miscues cost Cubs the game 

The Reds were able to take full advantage of Geovany Soto's two throwing errors on sacrifice bunts in the sixth inning to break a 2-2 tie.  The Reds were able to score two runs, but without even collecting a single hit due in part of Scott Maine's ineffectiveness and Soto's crucial fielding mistakes.

This is starting to look like a repeating storyline for the Cubs with their defense constantly letting them down.  

Tony Campana and Reed Johnson will be playing in center

After Marlon Byrd was shipped out, everyone was wondering who was going to be playing in center field.  Cubs management has made it clear several times they were not going to rush up their top minor league prospects Brett Jackson or Anthony Rizzo because they want to make sure both players are absolutely ready before they are eventually called up to join the majors.  

For now, Tony Campana's speed and Reed Johnson's hustle will be shagging balls in center.

Unfortunately, Steve Clevenger will not start

It's surprising and disappointing that Dale Sveum continues to send Soto out there as Soto is struggling mightily with his bat and now his glove, especially with the type of performances Clevenger is showing.

Sveum is sticking with Soto as he is willing to suffer on offense until Soto figures it out at the plate.  It is sad because this Cubs offense is looking for a spark and Sveum has a player right under his nose to provide it.