The Chicago Cubs faced a disappointing 7-1 loss against the Milwaukee Brewers on Sunday, unable to generate much offense after an early home run. The game lasted just two hours and 21 minutes, but it was enough for the Brewers to secure a convincing victory.

The Cubs got off to a promising start when Nico Hoerner hit a home run on the second pitch of the game, putting the team in an early lead. However, that would be the extent of their offensive production for the afternoon. Cody Bellinger managed to add a single in the first inning, but the Cubs could not capitalize on any other opportunities to score.

Starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks seemed to be holding his own, keeping the Brewers at bay with soft-contact ground balls and pop-ups. However, the tide turned in the fourth inning, as William Contreras singled, followed by a home run from Christian Yelich that gave the Brewers a 2-1 lead. This marked the first home run Hendricks had allowed in over 24 innings in the month of June.

The situation further deteriorated for the Cubs when a strikeout and a walk were followed by two consecutive singles, extending the Brewers' lead to 3-1. Another single loaded the bases, and Hendricks managed to strike out Andruw Monasterio, bringing the Cubs within two runs of catching up. However, Brice Turang then hit a grand slam, making it 7-1 and effectively sealing the Brewers' victory.

The grand slam was a rarity for the Cubs' pitching staff, as they had not surrendered one in their previous 74 games this year. Surprisingly, this game marked the third grand slam they have allowed in the past 11 games. The Cubs experienced a similar pattern in 1993 when they also yielded three grand slams in a span of 11 games.

Despite a solid performance from relief pitchers Jorge Lopez, Drew Smyly, and Ethan Roberts, who held the Brewers scoreless for the remainder of the game, the Cubs' offense was silent. Their only other baserunners besides the first-inning hits were three walks scattered throughout the game.

The Cubs' offensive struggles were further underscored by the fact that their only run came from a home run. This marked the 511th game since 1876 in which the Cubs' lone run was scored by a homer. It was also the 18th game since 1901 in which the team managed just one other hit alongside a home run.

Looking ahead, the Cubs hope for a change of fortunes in July as they finish June with a disappointing record of 11-16. The team has an off-day on Monday before facing the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game series starting on Tuesday evening. The Phillies currently hold MLB's best winning percentage (.651), adding to the challenge for the struggling Cubs.

As the season progresses, questions surrounding Kyle Hendricks' performance may arise. However, it is too early to entertain retirement rumors, and many believe his expertise could be valuable in a front office role for the Cubs.

Fans can catch the upcoming Cubs-Phillies series on Marquee Sports Network and TBS, with no blackouts. The first game is set for Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. CT, featuring pitchers Hayden Wesneski for the Cubs and Michael Mercado for the Phillies.