Cole (6-4) allowed two unearned runs on three hits and a walk while striking out seven over six innings to take the loss Sunday versus the Cubs.
A rough first inning was enough to send Cole to the loss, as he gave up two hits and a walk, as well as a pair of fielder's choices, in that frame. Isaac Paredes had the big hit, a two-run single that the Cubs nursed all the way to the end. Cole didn't miss any time after exiting his previous start with a calf cramp. He's allowed one earned run or fewer in five of his last six starts, surrendering a total of seven runs (five earned) with 43:12 K:BB over 34.1 innings in that span. Cole now has a 3.36 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 85:24 K:BB through 75 innings over 14 starts this season. The right-hander's next start is projected to be at home versus the Red Sox.