The Minnesota Twins suffered another setback as they fell 6-2 to the Chicago Cubs, with their hitting struggles and bullpen issues being the main culprits for the loss.

In the eighth inning, with the Twins trailing by a run, Byron Buxton managed to draw a walk to lead off the inning. However, the subsequent at-bats by Joey Gallo and Carlos Correa resulted in quick outs, lasting just six pitches. The Cubs then hit a home run in the top of the ninth, securing their 6-2 victory at Target Field on Friday night.

The Twins continued to struggle with their hitting, collecting only four hits throughout the game and scoring just two runs. One of the runs came as a result of a throwing error that was later ruled a fielder’s choice.

On the pitching side, Sonny Gray performed admirably for the Twins, holding the Cubs at bay for five and a third innings, allowing only one run on four hits while striking out nine batters. However, Griffin Jax faltered in the seventh inning, giving up two runs on four hits in his lone inning of work.

In the ninth inning, Kyle Farmer, Jorge Polanco, and Willi Castro were retired in order on just eight pitches, sealing the Twins’ defeat.

By going 0-3 in the game, Byron Buxton extended his hitless streak to 0-23, causing his batting average to drop to .215.

The Twins and Cubs will resume the series on Saturday at Target Field, with Joe Ryan and Hayden Wesneski taking the mound. The first pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m.