The Chicago Cubs are struggling to stay competitive in the National League wild-card race, highlighted by their recent 1-0 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays where they failed to capitalize on scoring opportunities against starter Bowden Francis. This loss followed a dramatic 6-5 win over the Blue Jays, where Seiya Suzuki hit a walk-off single in extra innings. The Cubs' bullpen has been performing well, but inconsistency in hitting remains a significant issue. Manager Craig Counsell acknowledged missed opportunities as the Cubs aim to improve their record against teams with losing records. The Cubs' recent series against the Blue Jays showcased both their potential and their vulnerabilities, managing one win but also suffering from a lack of timely hits.