Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/28/21): Brewers 14, Cubs 4 – 8th-Inning Meltdown Leads to 4th Straight Loss
Kyle Hendricks took the mound against Freddy Peralta in the series opener looking for his ninth consecutive win and quality start. Dating back to May 4, Hendricks has compiled an ERA of 2.52, allowing only nine walks with 49 strikeouts in 64 innings pitched.
The Cubs jumped on Peralta in the 1st when Ian Happ sent a two-run tater over the right-field wall, but the Brewers answered back with two of their own in the bottom half of the inning.
Hendricks served up a solo shot to Avisaíl García in the 3rd, and the Brewers tacked on another in the 6th to take a 4-2 lead. Hendricks was pulled in the 7th for pinch-hitter Patrick Wisdom, who tied the game with a bomb to left.
Hendricks finished the night with six innings pitched, allowing four earned runs, seven hits, two walks with four strikeouts.
Milwaukee blew it wide open in the 8th, scoring 10 runs against a combination of Ryan Tepera and Trevor Megill as the Cubs would lose by a final of 14-4. (Box Score)
Why the Cubs Lost
A poor approach at the plate and horrendous relief pitching resulted in tonight’s defeat.
Key Moment
In the 8th, with the game tied 4-4, the Cubs loaded the bases with two away, but Rafael Ortega grounded out to end the inning. The Brewers would go on to take the lead in their half of the inning.
Stats That Matter
- Before tonight, Pederson had gone 75 plate appearances without drawing a walk.
- Hendricks now has an ERA of 10.69 in the 1st inning and leads the league in home runs allowed with 20.
- After pitching 20.1 scoreless innings, Tepera has given up seven runs in his last four appearances.
Bottom Line
You won’t win many games when your bullpen allows 10 runs.
On Deck
Zach Davies (5-4, 4.31 ERA) squares off against Brandon Woodruff (6-3, 1.89 ERA) in game two of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 pm CT on Marquee and 670 The Score.