Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/17/21): Brewers 8, Cubs 5 – Bullpen Falters as Cubs Drop Third Straight

Despite getting out to a four-run lead in the 4th inning, Cubs pitchers kept walking batters and giving up hits until the Brewers had secured an 8-5 win in Milwaukee. Things started out well as the Cubs knocked starter Adrian Houser out of the game after just four innings by being patient and putting the ball in play.

Ian Happ started off the inning with a walk and was pushed to second by a Patrick Wisdom single. Alfonso Rivas then singled to score Happ, Matt Duffy reached on an error that scored Wisdom, and Sergio Alcántara ended the scoring with an RBI single of his own.

Zach Davies gave most of those runs right back, giving up three runs on three hits and two walks in the bottom of the 4th. Each team countered with one more run apiece in the 5th, keeping things close at 5-4 Cubs. Frank Schwindel hit his 14th home run in the top of the inning and the Brewers got theirs on a bases-loaded walk by Codi Heuer in the bottom half to pull within one run.

The Brewers were able to break through in the 8th inning against Rowan Wick, who just didn’t have it and passed on his wildness to Dillon Maples later in the inning. Lorenzo Cain tied the game on a flare to right field, then Kolten Wong put the Brewers up for good on a single into the right center gap that made the score 7-5 Brewers.

They tacked one more on as Maples uncorked his first pitch, but didn’t even need it as the Cubs offered little resistance against Josh Hader in the 9th. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

The bullpen faltered big time down the stretch, as Wick and Maples coughed up too many runs in the 8th.

Key Moment

Wong’s two-RBI single into right center put the Brewers on top where they would stay.

Stats That Matter

• Schwindel just keeps on mashing, going 2-for-4 with a home run on the night.
• Wisdom went 2-for-4 as well and appears to have broken out of his slump.
• It doesn’t happen often, but the Cubs stole three bags tonight.
• Cubs pitchers gave up 9 hits and 9 walks to go along with their 9 strikeouts.

Bottom Line

For the second time in as many nights, Cubs pitching failed to capitalize on a nice early lead and ended up paying the price for it. Schwindel continues to act like he’s from Krypton and is entering the “this is for real” zone as his hot streak just keeps on keepin’ on. For those of you on Draft Watch for 2022, the Cubs are currently eighth in that sweepstakes.

On Deck

These two teams will be back at it tomorrow night in Milwaukee as Justin Steele takes the ball against strikeout master Corbin Burnes. Gametime is 6:15pm CT and will be broadcast on Fox. Should you choose to listen instead, the game will be available on 670 The Score.