Chicago Cubs get sharp outing from Lester, Bryant homers in 2-1 win

The Chicago Cubs got a masterful performance from Jon Lester and just enough offense from a Kris Bryant home run to down the Los Angeles Dodgers 2-1 on Wednesday night.

The way this one started for the

(36-15) and Jon Lester, you had to wonder if it was going to be another night like his start against the Giants on May 21. But after allowing a leadoff home run to

, Lester was essentially lights out as he held the Los Angeles Dodgers (28-26)to just three more hits as he pitched the complete game, the 13th of his career.

Lester (6-3, 2.29) struck out 10 while allowing just the four hits over nine innings as the Dodgers once again couldn’t find ways to muster hits against the Cubs pitching. Whether this one was about Lester finishing what he started, or Joe Maddon avoiding the bullpen that allowed five runs in last night’s ballgame is irrelevant.

Mike Bolsinger (1-2, 4.20) was impressive in his own right in his six innings, with his only real blemish the towering home run he allowed to Kris Bryant in the third inning. The Dodgers bullpen allowed just one hit over the final three innings, but it was all about Lester and his performance by then.

Lester was pinpoint with his cutter, dotting the outside edge to left-handers, and keeping the right-handers off balance with his changeup and curveball. A few comebackers to Lester and short jogs over to first base for handoffs helped his own cause on a very fitting night at Wrigley Field–Conquer Cancer Night.

Next: Cubs leading the way in All-Star Balloting

The Cubs will hand the ball to Kyle Hendricks (3-4, 2.93) as he’ll look to lock up the series win for the Cubs. It’s possible he could be opposed by the young rookie Julio Urias (0-0, 10.13) who was just recalled after Alex Wood was sent to the DL.

The finale is set for 1:20 p.m. CT tomorrow at Wrigley Field.