CI Recap (7/29/17) – Cubs 2, Brewers 1: Fans Get Free Baseball, Cubs Get Win

Another day, another low-scoring game against the Brewers, but tonight the Cubs came out on top with a 2-1 victory in 11 innings.

Kyle Hendricks took the mound for the Cubs and had a pretty impressive outing, giving up only one run over five innings. His only blemish came in the opening frame when he gave up an RBI double to everyone’s least favorite Brewer, Ryan Braun.

The next four innings were smooth for Hendricks as he scattered a couple of hits without allowing multiple baserunners.

Brewers pitching did their job until the 7th inning, when the Cubs finally got a run. It started with a one-out single off the bat of Jon Jay. He advanced to second on a groundout by Ben Zobrist and ended up scoring on Kris Bryant’s RBI single, his third hit of the day.

The suppressed score was not due to lack of opportunities, especially for the Cubs. Despite having only four hits through the first nine innings, the Cubs were able to draw walks and get men on base.

In the 2nd inning, the Cubs drew two walks and were on first and second with only one out. They were unable to make anything of it.

They blew an even better opportunity in the 3rd inning when they loaded the bases with two outs thanks to two walks and a fielding error. However, Kyle Schwarber hit a hard liner that was robbed by Brewers center fielder Lewis Brinson, and the Cubs walked away empty handed.

The game remained in a 1-1 deadlock which took us to extra innings. In the bottom of the 10th, the Cubs and Mike Montgomery found themselves in trouble. With two outs in the inning, Ryan Braun drew a four-pitch walk. Montgomery then went on to intentionally walk Travis Shaw to face Hernan Perez. That gamble paid off as Perez lined out to end the scoring threat.

The top of the 11th inning was fun. Jason Heyward launched his eighth home run of the year right over the wall and excitedly ran around the bases. That ended up being the game-winning run, as Wade Davis came in to shut down the Brewers and tie the series at one game apiece.

Stats that matter

• Kris Bryant went 3-for-4 today with three singles and a walk. His 7th-inning RBI single tied the game and eventually led to extra innings.
• The Cubs bullpen took care of business, keeping the Brewers scoreless over six innings. Wade Davis then shut the door as he converted his 21st consecutive save of the year to lead the majors..
• Kyle Hendricks pitched very well: 5 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K.

Bottom Line

The Cubs may not have been able to score until the 7th inning, but their bullpen really helped them out. Cubs relievers gave up only one hit with four walks and five strikeouts to set up that 11th inning, game-winning home run by Heyward. Another positive note is that, no matter what happens in the game tomorrow, the Cubs will still be in first place.

On deck

John Lackey will take on Zach Davies for the series win at 1:20 CT on TBS.