Chicago Cubs: Mike Montgomery, bullpen implode; club loses to Brewers

Kyle Schwarber returned to the Chicago Cubs’ lineup, and Mike Montgomery made the start, but took the loss, as North Siders fall 11-2 to Milwaukee.

In a pivotal divisional match up between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, there was much abuzz about the return of Kyle Schwarber.

The excitement at Wrigley was short-lived, however, as the Brewers ran away with this one early, knocking off the Cubs 11-2. Coming into the day as the majors’ best scoring first inning team, they plated two early and poured it on with seven in the third.

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Mike Montgomery suffered his worst start of the season. He failed to get out of the third inning, allowing seven earned runs.

Jack Leathersich made his Cubs’ debut out of the bullpen. He walked four and allowed two earned runs. His last MLB appearance came in 2015 with the Mets.

Chicago is 4 1/2 games back in the National League Central.

Heavy brew

The Brewers pack a powerful punch. Nearly every starter had a hit, and right fielder Domingo Santana went 4-for-5. Ryan Braun homered.

Milwaukee is fast and aggressive. Entering play Thursday, they led the NL in home runs, (132), strikeouts, (830), T-1st stolen bases (71) and have been caught the second-most times (23). The Brewers swiped three bases Thursday.

Starter Kyle Davies won his 10th.

Too little, too late

Chicago’s offense attempted to rally in the bottom half of the third inning. They loaded the bases with none out, but only brought one home by virtue of a Kris Bryant ground out.

Kyle Schwarber made his awaited return to the Cubs lineup, batting fifth. He went 0-for-4 and struck out twice. Willson Contreras belted his 11th home run in the fourth.

Entering the day, Contreras came in hitting .391 against the Brewers. Leadoff man Jon Jay pitched a scoreless ninth for Chicago.

Next: Chicago Cubs making potential mistake in bringing back Kyle Schwarber

What’s next?

It’ll be the third opponent in as many days as the Chicago Cubs battle the Pittsburgh Pirates. Right-hander Eddie Butler (4-3, 4.18 ERA) takes the ball against righty Trevor Williams (3-3, 4.67 ERA).

First pitch is set for 1:20 p.m. CT from Wrigley Field.