Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/11/20): Brewers 1, Cubs 0 – Lester Sharp as Cubs Lose in Walk-Off
The Cubs were hoping to get a vintage Jon Lester start Friday night at Miller Park and they got just that. The only problem was the offense provided him no run support and the Brewers got a walk-off win.
Lester and Milwaukee starter Brandon Woodruff were outstanding all night as neither allowed any runs, aided as they were by a very generous strike zone from home plate umpire Manny Gonzalez. The scoreless effort was carried by both bullpens until the bottom of the 9th.
Christian Yelich walked and Keston Hiura singled off Rowan Wick, who was working his second inning on the night, to put runners on the corners with no out in the bottom of the 9th. David Ross then called for Jeremy Jeffress, who surrendered the game-winning sacrifice fly to Ryan Braun. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Lost
The Cubs got a grand total of two hits and struck out 16 times.
Key Moment
Kris Bryant tripled with two out in the top of the 8th inning, but Anthony Rizzo struck out against Devin Williams to strand him.
Stats That Matter
- Lester’s outing was very encouraging: 6 IP, 0 R, 3 H, 8 K, and 2 BB.
- Craig Kimbrel also threw clean inning and struck out at least two hitters for the 10th straight appearance.
Bottom Line
It was a frustrating loss, but the Cubs have to feel good about what they got from Lester and Kimbrel.
On Deck
Game two of the series is Saturday at 6:10pm CT. Kyle Hendricks battles Brett Anderson in a game airing on Marquee.