Fowler Pounds Lead-Off Home Run, Brewers Prove Resilient
Dexter Fowler led off the game with a solo home run and, finally, it felt like the Cubs high-powered offense we’ve grown accustomed to so far this year might be back. Unfortunately for the Cubs, the Brewers got two home runs of their own, accounting for three of their five runs today.
The Cubs were trailing 4-3 heading into the top of the eighth inning and, with two outs, Ben Zobrist hit a double off Brewers’ pitcher Michael Blazek. Suddenly the Cubs had runners on second and third as Rizzo, who walked earlier in the inning, advanced to third from first on the double. Jorge Soler came up with a chance to be a hero and instead he struck out, ending the Cubs scoring threat.
The Brewers added another run in the bottom of the eighth to win the game 5-3 (box score). They also win the series two games to one.
Stats that mattered
- Jason Hammel didn’t have the same level of control we’ve seen in his previous starts – 6IP, 4R, 5H, 2BB, 7Ks, 2HR
- Junior Guerra pitched lights out for the Brewers – 7IP, 3R, 5H, 3BB, 11Ks, 1HR
- Brewers pitchers totaled 15 strikeouts against the Cubs today
- Cubs were 1-for-7 with RISP and left eight men on base
- Miguel Montero was the only Cubs player with more than one hit. He finished 2-for-3, including one run, one RBI and one walk
Bottom line
The Cubs lose another series to another mediocre — and that’s being kind — team. They’ve now lost a series to each of the Rockies, the Padres and the Brewers. Those teams have a combined record of 55-66 while the Cubs now stand at 28-11. A little reminder – that’s still a great record so there’s nothing to be discouraged about.
Next up
The Cubs travel to San Francisco tomorrow to clash with the streaking Giants, who’ve won seven straight heading into their contest tonight against the Padres. Jake Arrieta will take the hill for the Cubs. Game time is 9:15 PM CDT – a late one. Good thing it’s Friday night!
