Introduction to the Game
MILWAUKEE — The Brewers took sole ownership of the best record in the major leagues at 63-43 as the Cubs fell 8-4 to their division rival Monday night at American Family Field.
Early Game Momentum
The Cubs made the first inning uncomfortable for Brewers phenom Jacob Misiorowski, scoring three runs and pushing his pitch count to 40. Leadoff hitter Michael Busch got his bat on a 101.1 mph fastball for a single into center field. After Kyle Tucker worked a walk, Seiya Suzuki drove a curveball right back at Misiorowski, hitting him in the back of the right leg on a hop for a single.
Scoring Plays
Busch scored on a wild pitch. Then, with runners on second and third with two outs, Ian Happ hit a swinging bunt, which Misiorowski fielded before sailing a throw over first baseman Andrew Vaughn, which allowed the Cubs (62-44) to tack on two more runs.
Shift in Momentum
However, the Cubs’ offense quieted after that, and Misiorowski bounced back to throw three clean innings before handing the ball over to the bullpen.
Brewers’ Rally
Before that, the Brewers rallied for four runs in the third inning against Cubs starter Matthew Boyd (11-4) to pull into the lead, scoring on an RBI double by Christian Yelich, a bases-loaded single by Isaac Collins and a sacrifice fly by Bryce Turang for a 4-3 advantage.
Pitching Performance
Boyd gave up one more run, a solo homer from Vaughn in the fifth, for a total of five earned runs in five-plus innings. He also walked five batters.
Late Game Action
While the Cubs only scored one run against the Brewers’ bullpen, on Tucker’s RBI single off Jared Koenig in the seventh, the Brewers surged for three more runs off Cubs relievers. Sal Frelick hit a solo homer off veteran Ryan Pressly in the sixth, and Yelich hit a two-run blast off Chris Flexen in the seventh.
Conclusion
The Cubs’ inability to sustain their early momentum and the Brewers’ strong rally led to the Cubs dropping the first game of this important series 8-4. The Cubs will look to bounce back and even the series in the next game.
FAQs
What was the final score of the game?
The final score was Brewers 8, Cubs 4.
Which team has the best record in the major leagues after this game?
The Brewers have the best record in the major leagues at 63-43.
Who was the starting pitcher for the Cubs?
Matthew Boyd was the starting pitcher for the Cubs.
How many runs did the Cubs score in the first inning?
The Cubs scored three runs in the first inning.
