Chicago Cubs come up short versus Brewers in 2-1 loss

The Chicago Cubs had some defensive miscues, and then they also had some highlight reel plays like Jason Heyward robbing Ryan Braun. But in the end, a solo home run was all they could manage in the 2-1 loss to the Brewers.

The Chicago Cubs hit the ball hard most of the night against Milwaukee Brewers’ starter Brent Suter. But they had little to show for it as the Brewers gave up a solo shot to Javier Baez–a LONG shot–and that was it as they gained a game on the Cubs with a 2-1 victory.

The Cubs (54-48) outhit the Brewers (55-50) five to four, but two RBI groundouts were the difference in the game. It could have been worse if not for the heroics of Jason Heyward in the third inning. Ryan Braun hit a shot into right field that was ticketed for a home run. But Heyward tracked it down and made the leaping grab to keep the Brewers at bay.

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Jose Quintana (6-9, 4.16) was hit pretty hard to start the game but managed to survive six innings while allowing just the two runs. He struck out six while allowing just four hits to the Crew. The Cubs bullpen did their job as they held the Brewers scoreless for the rest of the game.

Anthony Swarzak–recently acquired from the White Sox–gave up the only run to the Cubs on a 449-foot home run to Baez. The long ball was much needed for Baez who was coming off a 0-for-5 performance with five strikeouts.

The Cubs pressed the Brewers in the ninth, eventually moving Anthony Rizzo to third with Kyle Schwarber pinch-hitting. But the Brewers’ closer Corey Knebel shut it down with a strikeout of Schwarber to give the Brewers the victory.

The Cubs and Brewers will go at it again tomorrow at 6:10 p.m. at Miller Park. Kyle Hendricks (4-3, 3.95) will make his second start since coming off the DL to face Junior Guerra (1-4, 5.22).