Chicago Cubs Fall 6-4, Split 4-Game Series with Philadelphia Phillies

The Chicago Cubs did all they could to try to take three of four from the Philadelphia Phillies, but they came up short as they lost 6-4 Monday night.

Here is what we learned and questions we have from this Cubs defeat.

Starlin Castro and Bryan LaHair turning heads

 This hitting duo is proving to be a threat in the middle of the lineup, and they are having pitchers think twice about pitching to them.  

Castro and LaHair provided majority of the offense in this contest as they combined for four hits, three RBIs, two runs and a home run.  Castro is batting .333 and LaHair is batting .390 on the season with both players possessing an OBP above .350.  They are both tied for team leader in RBIs with 14.

Even though Castro has yet to hit a home run this season, they both can provide power for a weak offense.   

Chris Volstad struggles continue

Though he did save the bullpen by pitching six innings Monday, he has still yet to have a quality start this season.  The Cubs were in an early hole as Volstad gave up four runs in the first inning,  but he kept the Phillies scoreless until his departure after the sixth.

However, he did give up eight hits and he walked three.  

He is still looking for his first win on the year.

What has happened to Geovany Soto?

It is disheartening to see Soto struggle mightily in the first month of the season.  It appears he is definitely pressing right now as he is trying to find his swing as he went 0-for-3 in this game.  

Soto was benched for the last two games with hopes of him being able to refresh his mind, but he was unable to turn anything around.  

He is 7-for-55 on the year with only one home run and one RBI.