Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs drop series to Brewers

It appeared that the second-place Chicago Cubs were set to dominate the Milwaukee Brewers after Jon Lester‘s stellar performance this past Friday – instead would struggle in the final two games of the series.

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Granted it was only their second series loss of the season, but losing back-to-back games the way they did against a last-place team isn’t something this club needs to be doing. Especially since their next stop will be in St. Louis to take on the Cardinals beginning tonight, as Travis Wood is expected to pick up the start for the North Siders.

Former Cub Aramis Ramirez lifted Milwaukee to victory yesterday – hammering a solo bomb to center field early on, only to give his team the lead in the eighth inning with an bases loaded two-run single off Pedro Strop. Strop was involved in one of the closest and scariest moments of the season after hitting Jean Segura in the helmet with a pitch that got away from him.

Segura was squaring up to bunt before he dropped to the ground after feeling the impact. Right away, catcher Miguel Montero signaled for help towards Milwaukee’s dugout as everyone in attendance remained in silence with all eyes on the injured player.

By some sort of baseball miracle, the pitch that struck Segura hit the brim of his helmet but was pulled from the game for a pinch-runner. A-Ram eventually followed that up with the winning hit.

Once the game wrapped, it was later announced that Milwaukee manager Ron Roenicke would be relieved of his managing duties.

Shortly after the Cubs were handed a 5-3 loss, the Cardinals completed their third straight walk-off victory on a Kolten Wong solo bomb to deep right field in the bottom of the 14th. Despite losing Adam Wainwright, the N.L. Central power-house has won six games in a row, extending their lead in the division by 4 1/2 games ahead of the Cubs.

Meanwhile, the former Central underdog, Houston Astro, have now won 10 straight games to improve to 18-7. This gives them the second best record in all of baseball behind the Cardinals who are currently 18-6 heading into tonight’s showdown with the Cubs.

Houston completed the four-game sweep of the Seattle Mariners, who attempted to rally late by hanging a four spot in the top of the seventh inning. They haven’t lost since Apr. 22.

Here’s more from around the league:

‘St. Louis Cardinals: Lather, Rinse, Repeat‘ – RedbirdRants

‘Houston Astros Podcast: Why the winning is far from a fluke‘ – ClimbingTalsHill

‘Chicago Cubs still have interest in Cole Hamels‘ – CubbiesCrib

‘Brewers relieve Ron Roenicke of duties‘ – MLB.com

‘Royals’ Lorenzo Cain drops appeal‘ – ESPN.com