Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/6/19): Cubs 14, Brewers 8 – JHey’s Power Surge Masks Another Bullpen Blowup

The Cubs debuted their revamped bullpen on Saturday night at Miller Park against the Brewers looking to snap a six-game losing streak. The new relievers struggled to get outs in the late innings just like the men they replaced, but a double-digit performance by the offense was enough for the Cubs to notch their second win of the season.

Cole Hamels turned in a quality start, handing a 7-2 lead over to the pen after the 6th inning, at which point Kyle Ryan and Allen Webster each had rough first outings out of the pen. The latter gave up a three-run homer to Ryan Braun to cut the Cubs’ lead to 7-5 heading into the 8th.

The Cubs answered with a seven-run 8th, providing more than enough insurance for even this pen. Jason Heyward provided most of the fireworks on the evening, launching two over the fence for his first multi-homer game as a Cub. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The Cubs had two phases of their game working pretty well Saturday night. Hamels gave up two runs on six hits over six innings, striking out five and walking none. The offense smashed four home runs, including two by the suddenly powerful Heyward.

Key Moment

Hamels and the Cubs escaped the 2nd inning giving up just one run, but it could have been a lot worse. With runners on second and third with no outs, Javy Baez induced a force out at home on an Orlando Arcia grounder. The Brewers later loaded the bases with one out and Lorenzo Cain plated a run on a sacrifice fly to tie the game 2-2. Hamels then struck out Christian Yelich to end the threat.

Stats That Matter

• Hamels became the first Cubs starter not named Jon Lester to complete six innings this season. This will have to become a regular thing for the starting staff if they hope to stand any chance of competing.
• The Great Heyward Power Surge of 2019 will be talked about by your children’s children. His first two-homer game in a Cubs uniform included a two-run shot in the 2nd inning and a solo blast in the 8th. In total, Heyward reached base five times Saturday.
• Victor Caratini’s first homer of the season came in the 5th inning, giving the Cubs a 4-2 lead.  The primary catching tandem has produced three longballs so far this season after putting up only 12 all of last year.

Bottom Line

It’s great that the Cubs were able to get a win in Miller Park, but counting on this type of offensive output to cape for what has been a historically bad bullpen is simply not sustainable. It’s hard to say exactly what the answer is, but they need to figure it out fast.

On Deck

The Cubs will go for the series win Sunday afternoon at Miller Park at 1:10pm CT as Kyle Hendricks takes the mound against Zach Davies. NBC Sports Chicago have the telecast and 670 The Score has the radio feed.