Aroldis Chapman was only needed to address media as Cubs’ hitting woes continue

12:19 AM ET

CHICAGO — The Chicago Cubs may want to forget Tuesday ever happened. The afternoon began with a rough news conference for new closer Aroldis Chapman and it ended with the team getting shut out for the first time since May 31.

Chicago White Sox veteran James Shields stymied the Cubs, just as the opposing starter has done against them for the past three days. Only a late-inning comeback on Sunday has kept the Cubs from a four-game losing streak.

“I’m not creating excuses, but we’re young offensively and you see pitchers, [Miguel] Gonzalez yesterday, Shields today, [they] really know what they’re doing,” manager Joe Maddon said after the 3-0 loss. “Even [Junior] Guerra on Milwaukee. We’ve seen guys recently that have a good feel for what they’re doing and have taken advantage of our youth.”

Addison Russell and the Cubs were kept off-balance by White Sox starter James Shields on Tuesday night. Mike DiNovo/USA TODAY Sports

The Cubs have scored a total of three earned runs against the opposing starter over the past four games. That’s not getting it done, especially the past two nights against the White Sox where they can use the designated hitter.

Can it all be chalked up to youth? Maybe not. Tuesday’s lineup was about as experienced as the Cubs can field, which …

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