Anthony Rizzo hits two 2-run HRs, Cubs win 8-0

Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Rizzo benefited from a day off.

Rizzo hit two two-run home runs to right field on a full count to lift the Chicago Cubs to a 8-0 win over the Brewers on Saturday afternoon at Miller Park.

Jason Hammel (6-3) was strong on the mound as he gave up just four hits while striking out eight and walking none over seven scoreless innings.

Brewers’ starter Wily Peralta (4-5) retired the first nine batters in order before Emilio Bonifacio singled in the the fourth and was confirmed safe at second base after a challenge to set up Rizzo’s first homer for a 2-0 lead in the third.

Hammel singled to lead off the sixth then scored on Rizzo’s second home run. Starlin Castro doubled and Nate Schierholtz drew a walk before Chris Coghlan and John Baker hit back-to-back RBI singles for two more runs. Darwin Barney doubled in Coghlan for a 7-0 lead in the sixth.

Jonathan Lucroy lined into a double play in the bottom of sixth when Schierholtz made a diving catch in right field then doubled off Braun at first base.

Bonifacio added a RBI single in the ninth to score pinch-hitter Justin Ruggiano, who tripled earlier in the inning for a 8-0 lead.

Cubs relievers’ Justin Grimm and Pedro Strop did not allow a base runner and combined for three strikeouts.

Right-hander Jeff Samardzija (1-4, 1.68 ERA) will take the mound in the series finale as the Cubs’ have their third straight attempt to win a road series since last September. Kyle Lohse (6-1, 2.92 ERA) will oppose Samardzija at 1:10 p.m. CT on WGN.

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