Brewers winning streak ends at 8, on wrong side of 1-0 pitching duel against Cubs

WP: Kyle Hendricks (2-1)
LP: Chase Anderson (2-2)
SV: Brandon Morrow (5)

HR: Kyle Schwarber (7)

Box Score

The Brewers came into Chicago looking for a ninth straight win and some distance over the Cubs. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out for them.

It was a pitcher’s duel between Chase Anderson and Kyle Hendricks tonight. Both pitchers weren’t unhittable, but they did make it difficult for the other side. Chase Anderson went seven innings, allowing a run, five hits, a walk, and two strikeouts. It would be a good line most days, but Kyle Hendricks topped what Anderson did. Hendricks pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just four hits with no walks and five strikeouts.

It just wasn’t a good night for the offense at all. The Brewers didn’t have more than one baserunner in any inning except the ninth. Ryan Braun and Domingo Santana each did have two-hit days, but the rest of the offense only had two hits total. A couple of doubles and a stolen base did give the Brewers a few opportunities with runners in scoring position, but the team went 0-3 in that situation.

On the Cubs side, they were held similarly in check, limited to seven runs with just catcher Victor Caritini the only player with two hits. The difference came courtesy of Kyle Schwarber, who managed to hit a solo home run off of Anderson to account for all of the scoring in the game. Jacob Barnes also got an inning of work tonight and allowed a couple hits, but kept the Cubs off the board.

The Brewers did attempt a rally in the ninth inning. Facing Cubs closer Brandon Morrow, Lorenzo Cain led off the inning with a single. However, Christian Yelich hit into a double play to clear the bases. Ryan Braun also singled to put another runner on base, but Travis Shaw flew out to end the game.

There were a few good defensive plays in the game, but the best may have come from first baseman Ryan Braun. With runners at first and second and two outs, Braun potentially saved a run with a diving stop at first.

Since the Brewers are visiting the Cubs, that means a weekend filled with afternoon games is on tap for the Brewers. In the first of three afternoon games, Brent Suter will face Yu Darvish. First pitch is at 1:20 pm.