The Cubs looked to be within striking distance of the final playoff spot in the National League and their ace on deck to keep the winning streak going.

A day later, their playoff hopes are on life support and there’s still a sense of unknown on what role Justin Steele will play if they want to keep those hopes alive.

At about 8:20 p.m. on Monday night, the Cubs looked destined for a win that would move them 2.5 games back in the NL Wild Card picture.

At 8:20 p.m. on Tuesday, the Cubs were looking at their 2nd straight loss to the Pirates, one that moves them 4.5 games back of the Braves (who won Tuesday night) and will surely lower their playoff odds — they sat at 3.1% per FanGraphs entering Tuesday.

“Yeah, look, I mean, losses for us right now, sure, they don’t feel good, because we know we can’t afford a lot of them,” manager Craig Counsell said before Tuesday’s 5-0 loss. “We were going to lose again at some point this year, as much as we don’t want to admit that, but that’s the way it works. We got beat [Monday] night. And after you get beat, you reflect on it and then you gotta move on to the next day.

“That’s how we have to operate when there’s competitions and competitions moving forward. So, you start focusing on the next day, because that’s what’s going to help you the most.”

[MORE: Cubs feeling a mix of optimism and uncertainty surrounding Justin Steele’s injury status]

Their 5-0 loss to the Pirates on Tuesday night will have another “what if?” feel to it — much like Monday’s loss. The Cubs loaded the bases in the first 2 frames off Pirates phenom Paul Skenes, forcing him to throw 54 pitches.

“I think tonight he went to that changeup a little more instead of that splitter that he’s been throwing,” Michael Busch said. “But, he’s a good pitcher. I thought we had some good at-bats, had some chances to drive in a couple of runs, and just didn’t execute.”

They scored no runs and mustered just 2 hits the rest of the game.

And Kyle Hendricks – who had the shortest start of his career a week ago against these same Pirates – was solid, especially given he was pressed into spot start duty in place of Steele. Hendricks allowed just 2 runs on 5 hits in 5 innings of work, keeping the Cubs in the game all night.

[WATCH: Kyle Hendricks optimistic in Cubs’ ability to battle back]

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

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

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

“I think at this point in the season it’s just kind of scrape away,” Busch said. “Whether it’s a win or loss you move on to the next day and you gotta go win the next one.”