Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (2/29/20): Cubs 3, Brewers 4 – Crew Plays Longball, Pelham Works 1-2-3

Presumed Opening Day starter Yu Darvish took the Leap Day 2020 ball for the Cubs, who were looking to snap a two-game losing streak at home against the Brewers. Darvish was reaching the upper 90’s with his fastball, but Milwaukee shortstop Orlando Arcía had no trouble with the heater as he drove the first pitch of the game over the left field wall to give the Crew an early lead.

The Cubs mounted a three-run rally in the 6th inning but were unable to drive in the tying run. Ian Happ started it with a single in the 6th, then Kyle Schwarber contributed a two-run double (Box score).

Why the Cubs Lost

Darvish and Adbert Alzolay gave up early home runs to Milwaukee, and the offense was shut down by Brewers starter Freddy Peralta over three scoreless innings.

Key Moments

After getting two quick groundouts in the 3rd inning, Alzolay walked Keston Hiura and gave up a single to Avisaíl García, bringing Logan Morrison to the plate. Morrison blasted Alzolay’s offering into the left field stands to giving the Brewers an early four-run lead.

With two outs and three runs in during the 6th inning, Craig Counsell replaced pitcher Jake Faria with Thomas Jankins. Hernán Pérez failed to drive in the tying run from third base against his old team, grounding out to short.

Stats that Matter

• Peralta held the Cubs scoreless over 3.0 IP, allowing no hits with one walk and three strikeouts.
• Darvish missed spots early but still got whiffs. He accounted for three of the Cubs’ 10 strikeouts in the game over 2.0 IP.
• Alzolay was not sharp, allowing three runs on two hits over two innings to drive his spring ERA to 15.00.
• Cubs pitching did not allow any runs after the 3rd inning.
• New acquisition CD Pelham worked a 1-2-3 8th inning for the Cubs.

Bottom Line

The Cubs’ big boppers sat this one out and the home team was unable to generate enough offense to overcome an early deficit.

On Deck

Jon Lester will take the hill for the Cubs in his second spring start, facing former Kendall Graveman, who joined the Mariners after the Cubs declined to pick up his option for this season. Action is set to begin at 2:05pm CT on Marquee Sports Network, with 670 The Score on the radio call.