Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/29/23): Cubs 1, Brewers 0 – Steele, Bullpen Shine in Shutout

The expected pitchers’ duel between Justin Steele and Corbin Burnes lived up to the hype on Tuesday night at Wrigley Field. After a tense battle, it was the Cubs ace who came out ahead in a game that featured a grand total of one run.

The Brewers got men to second and third with one out in the top of the 1st, but Steele was able to escape the jam with a soft lineout and a strikeout. Chicago used a hit by pitch and a double by Ian Happ to also put men on second and third with one out in the bottom of the frame.

Cody Bellinger grounded to second against Burnes to score Nico Hoerner and put the North Siders up 1-0. No way would that be enough, right? Steele took a line drive off the right thigh from Victor Caratini in the 2nd inning and remained in the game after walking it off.

Both hurlers were sharp and the score remained unchanged through the middle innings. The Cubs had multiple scoring chances in the 5th, 6th, and 7th but failed to score any insurance runs.

The bullpen took over in the 7th and was lights-out. Mark Leiter Jr., Julian Merryweather, and Adbert Alzolay kept Milwaukee off the board and Chicago earned a critical 1-0 win. (Box score)

Key Moment

Christian Yelich bunted for a hit with nobody out in the top of the 8th inning. Yelich, an excellent runner, attempted to steal with one out and catcher Yan Gomes made a perfect throw to nail him at second base. The Brewers would not have a man reach base after that.

Right on target! 🎯 pic.twitter.com/HWy9Ri2Lt1

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) August 30, 2023

Why the Cubs Won

They got terrific pitching and defense and were able to make a single tally hold up for eight innings.

Stats That Matter

• Steele had to work very hard early but then really dominated at the end of his outing: 6 IP, 0 R, 6 H, 8 K, and 1 BB.
• Dansby Swanson had a pair of hits, which was nice to see in the midst of a big slump.
• Gomes singled twice, had the big caught stealing, and backstopped a shutoutfor good measure .

Bottom Line

After a very sloppy game Monday night, the Cubs were incredibly sharp on Tuesday and did everything well, especially on the defense and pitching end of things. Steele has absolutely been Cy Young-worthy in 2023 and came up big in a big game. That definitely had the feel of a playoff contest and it was nice to see Chicago come out on top.

On Deck

The deciding game of the series is Wednesday at 1:20pm CT. Kyle Hendricks takes on another tough pitcher, Brandon Woodruff, in a matchup available on Marquee and 670 The Score.