Cubs Recap: Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber homer in win

Aug 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a three-run home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 1, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo (44) hits a three-run home run in the third inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Anthony Rizzo homered for the fourth-straight game and Kyle Hendricks was solid as the Chicago Cubs rolled to a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers


Since the Chicago first baseman went on his streak, the Cubs have not lost a contest, and now find themselves one game back of San Francisco for the second National League wild card spot in the standings.

After Jason Motte struggled out of the gate in the ninth, new acquisition Tommy Hunter entered and shut the door for the Cubs, earning his first save with the North Siders.

Earlier in the frame, Motte served up a lead-off double and was bailed out when Jorge Soler robbed Khris Davis of a two-run home run with a leaping grab at the wall for the first out of the inning.

Chicago (56-47) got another strong start from right-hander Kyle Hendricks, who allowed just one earned run on four hits in seven innings of work. The sophomore struck out six and walked just two in the win.

Rizzo got the offense rolling in the top of the third, sending a high-and-tight fastball from Milwaukee starter Matt Garza deep into the seats down the left-field line for his 20th long-ball of the season.

Garza (5-12, 5.17), who’s in the midst of the worst season of his professional career, was decently effective on Saturday, allowing three runs in six innings of work – all coming via the Rizzo long-ball.

Trailing 3-0 in the fourth, the Brewers’ Davis singled up the middle, scoring Ryan Braun and making it a 3-1 ballgame.

Chicago catcher Kyle Schwarber got in on the action late, launching his fourth homer of the season in the seventh against reliever Michael Blazek to add an insurance run for the Cubs.

What Stood Out:

In his Chicago debut, Hunter hit 99 mph on the radar gun with his fastball, turning heads around the game – including that of Schwarber.

"“I looked up and said ‘that’s a 99 ball right there.’ “"

Hunter was 0-for-1 in save situations this season with the Baltimore Orioles prior to Friday’s deal that sent him to Chicago.

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