Where the Cubs stand in the race for the NL playoffs after two losses in a row

The Cubs seemed to be within striking distance of the last playoff spot in the National League and had their ace up their sleeve to continue their winning streak.

One day later, their playoff hopes are being kept alive and there is still uncertainty about what role Justin Steele will play if they are to keep those hopes alive.

At around 8:20 p.m. on Monday night, a Cubs win seemed certain, putting them 2.5 games back in the race for the NL Wild Card.

As of 8:20 p.m. Tuesday, the Cubs were facing their second straight loss to the Pirates, putting them 4.5 games behind the Braves (who won Tuesday night) and certainly reducing their playoff chances — they were at 3.1% through Tuesday, according to FanGraphs.

“Yeah, look, I mean, obviously losing right now is not a good feeling for us because we know we can’t afford many of them,” manager Craig Counsell said before Tuesday’s 5-0 loss. “We should have lost again at some point this year, even if we don’t want to admit it, but that’s the way it goes. We got beat (Monday) night. And when you get beat, you think about it and then you have to move on to the next day.”

“That’s how we have to act when there are competitions and the competitions are progressing. So you should focus on the next day because that will help you the most.”

(MORE: Cubs have a mix of optimism and uncertainty regarding Justin Steele’s injury status)

Their 5-0 loss to the Pirates on Tuesday night will bring another “what if?” feeling – similar to Monday’s loss. The Cubs loaded the bases against Pirates phenom Paul Skenes in the first two innings, forcing him to throw 54 pitches.

“I think tonight he relied more on the changeup than the splitter he usually throws,” Michael Busch said. “But he’s a good pitcher. I think we had some good at-bats, had some chances to score some runs and just didn’t execute.”

They scored no runs and only managed two hits for the rest of the game.

And Kyle Hendricks — who had the shortest start of his career against these same Pirates a week ago — was solid, especially since he was used as a spot starter in place of Steele. Hendricks allowed just 2 runs on 5 hits in 5 innings, keeping the Cubs in the game all night.

(WATCH: Kyle Hendricks optimistic the Cubs can bounce back)

“Kyle kept us in the game. He gave us a chance,” Counsell said after the game. “He wobbled a little bit in the 2nd and 3rd innings, but he got through it with limited damage and then pitched really well in the 4th and 5th innings to put the game down 2-0. I thought we had a chance.”

But their offense couldn’t do anything against Skenes or the Pirates’ bullpen.

The Cubs will look to avoid a sweep against those same Pirates on Wednesday night and will send Shota Imanaga to the mound. Coverage begins at 5:30 p.m. on the Marquee Sports Network.

“I think at this point in the season it’s just about getting through it,” Busch said. “Whether it’s a win or a loss, you move on to the next day and you’ve got to win the next one.”