Chicago Cubs: Bats fail to deliver as Brewers complete three-game sweep

Over the course of the three-game weekend series, the Chicago Cubs managed just three runs, as the Milwaukee Brewers swept the weekend showdown.

The Chicago Cubs needed to avoid a three-game sweep on Sunday. Unfortunately, the Milwaukee Brewers had other plans. Milwaukee starter Zach Davies pitched into the seventh effectively, and the Chicago bats failed to get anything going in a 3-1 loss in the finale.

Chicago (77-66) opened the scoring in the bottom of the second when catcher Rene Rivera took a 1-0 pitch to the opposite field. Hernan Perez misplayed the liner and it went off his glove and rolled to the wall, allowing Ian Happ to score.

Little did we know, but that proved to be the lone Cubs’ tally of the afternoon. Chicago scored a grand total of three runs in the series. Milwaukee outscored the reigning champs by a lopsided 20-to-3 margin.

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Milwaukee (75-68) evened things up against Kyle Hendricks in the top of the fourth on an RBI groundout. The right-hander pitched well, allowing three earned over six innings of work. He struck out seven in the game, but the big blow came in the top of the sixth.

After walking Neil Walker to lead off the inning, Hendricks retired Ryan Braun for the first out of the inning. But Brewers slugger Travis Shaw followed with his 29th home run of the year, a two-run shot off the ribbon board above the right-field basket. That proved to be the game-winner in a series that drastically alters the make-up of the National League Central.

Entering the opener Friday, Chicago held a five-game edge in the division. They’ll head into Monday’s off-day with a mere two-game lead over both the Brewers and Cardinals. With each passing series, it seems more likely the Central will come down to the final days of the regular season.

The Brewers had three infield hits and a bunt base hit on the afternoon. On the other side of things, Chicago managed just one earned run against a Milwaukee starter this weekend. There’s no doubt about what the Cubs’ offense is capable of – but consistency is a big concern.

Next: After weekend, Cardinals, Brewers close in on Cubs in Central

What’s Next

Chicago welcomes the New York Mets into town Tuesday for a three-game set.

Left-hander Jose Quintana (9-11, 4.32) starts the opener for the Cubs. Robert Gsellman (6-6, 5.44) takes the ball for New York. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. CT.