Chicago Cubs drop a heartbreaker in Milwaukee as Brewers gain ground

Seeking to extend their season-best advantage in the National League Central, the Chicago Cubs faltered, falling to the Brewers in walk-off fashion Monday.

If you made the trek up I-94 for some Labor Day action between the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, you might be feeling it in the 9 A.M. conference call Tuesday. You went from the euphoric feeling of watching Anthony Rizzo belt a go-ahead two-run home run in the eighth to the pitfalls of the Brew Crew walking it off one inning later.

Still, Chicago boasts the best record in the National League at 81-56 – with a four-game lead over the Brewers and 5 1/2 ahead of the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cubs and Milwaukee continue the three-game series on Tuesday at Miller Park.

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Kris Bryant made a third-straight start for the Cubs on Monday, going 0-for-4 while starting in the outfield before shifting to third base defensively. Despite the heroics from Rizzo, though, do we ever think he’ll get the credit he’s due?

With stars like Javier Baez and Kris Bryant surrounding him in the order, it’s hard to imagine folks will ever understand just how consistently great Rizzo has been. Despite a horrendous first month-plus, he once again stands on the precipice of a 30-homer, 100-RBI campaign.

We also took a look at what Addison Russell means to the Cubs’ depth over the final month. The defensive-minded infielder returned from injury recently, but no longer seems like the logical choice to start at shortstop. To keep Daniel Murphy‘s bat in the lineup, Baez slots to either short or third, leaving Russell as more of a defensive replacement late in ballgames.

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What’s Next

Chicago looks to rebound against Milwaukee at Miller Park Tuesday night. Mike Montgomery (4-4, 3.82) takes the ball opposite fellow left-hander Wade Miley (2-2, 2.18). First pitch is set for 7:10 p.m. CT.