Cubs pitchers can’t find command in 6-4 loss to Diamondbacks

PHOENIX — When you rely on command, and that command goes astray, it can make for a frustrating afternoon. That was how it went for Cubs right-hander Zach Davies in a 6-4 loss Sunday to the Diamondbacks. Davies never found his command and went into several deep counts.

The game looked like it was going to get away from Davies in the fourth inning when he walked Eduardo Escobar to lead off. With the bases loaded and nobody out, Escobar scored from third on Pavin Smith’s single, which reloaded the bases.

But Davies was able to get out of the jam, getting a popout and a timely 6-4-3 double play. He allowed two runs and six hits in 4⅔ innings with three strikeouts and four walks.

“Some of [the walks] are just at-bats that I’m trying to throw pitches in certain places that I didn’t exactly hit, trying to get guys to chase,” Davies said. “You’re trying to be out there a little deeper into a game.

“I try to move past it as fast as I can. I’m not happy about it by any means, but there’s still another out to get after him. So just trying to turn the page fast.”

Command also was an issue for the pitchers who followed Davies. The Cubs walked 11 batters (two intentionally), three of whom came around to score. A batter hit by a pitch in the seventh also scored.

“Today, we weren’t very sharp [on the mound]. Too many free passes, to be honest with you” manager David Ross said.

“The free passes are a little bit frustrating, but other than that, we played pretty good.”

Cubs claim Schwindel from Athletics

The Cubs claimed first baseman Frank Schwindel from the Athletics and optioned him to Triple-A Iowa.

Schwindel, 29, has a .114/.114/.229 slash line, one home run and three RBI in 14 major-league games. He does have a respectable .287/.321/.481 slash line with 134 homers in eight minor-league seasons. The Cubs’ 40-man roster is now full.

He said it

Ross on Rowan Wick’s return to the mound: “He’s on his way back to being healthy and feeling good. And the fact that he did have a nice outing and has come out feeling great today is a really nice sign. It’s just nice to see him back competing again.”