Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/26/22): Cubs 4, Brewers 3 F/10 – Happ’s Two Homers Lead Cubs to Win

The Cubs were hoping to open their series in Milwaukee with a win at American Family Field on Friday night, after dropping the previous series to St. Louis. Chicago was able to make the most of just two hits to pull out a one-run extra-inning nail-biter.

Justin Steele and Freddy Peralta pitched well keeping the game scoreless through four innings. Steele made the first major mistake of the game in the 5th, giving up a solo home run to Tyrone Taylor. The Cubs starter was forced to leave the game in the following frame with lower-back tightness.

Peralta was absolutely dominating Friday, not allowing a hit through six innings. Brewers manager Craig Counsell surprisingly pulled his starter for Matt Bush in the 7th inning. After an error allowed Nick Madrigal to reach base, Ian Happ hit a go-ahead two-run home run to put Chicago up 2-1.

The score stayed there until the bottom of the 9th, when Rowdy Tellez smashed a long bomb off Brandon Hughes to tie it. Milwaukee had a chance to walk it off but stranded two runners to send it to extras.

So the plan is to give them hope and then a crushing loss, right?

— Cubs Insider (@realcubsinsider) August 27, 2022

Happ came up big yet again to lead off the 10th inning, crushing his second two-run homer to make it 4-2. Hard-throwing Manny Rodríguez returned from three months on the injured list to attempt to get the save. Things got pretty hairy with the Brewers loading the bases with one out before Jace Peterson hit into an improbable double play to preserve a 4-3 victory. (Box score)

Why the Cubs Won

The pitchers were able to work around numerous Brewers scoring chances stranding 10 baserunners Friday. Ian Happ was nails.

Eye on the Future

• Steele was not the sharpest but was able to get people out, hopefully his back issue is minor: 5.1 IP, 1 R, 4 H, 6 K, and 4 BB.

Taking Note

• Happ is really starting to find his powerstroke from the left side of the plate. It’s good he did because he had the Cubs’ only hits in the game.

Bottom Line

Chicago continues to play the Brewers tough, and with the win tonight they win the season series. Justin Steele keeps getting people out and is starting to emerge as a top of the rotation guy.

On Deck

Game two of the series is Saturday at 6:10pm CT. Drew Smyly faces off with Brandon Woodruff in a broadcast available on Marquee Sports Network and 670 The Score.