Brewers outduel Cubs, 2-1, for seventh straight win

Box Score

An old friend came to American Family Field on Tuesday night to do battle with the Milwaukee Brewers, as Zach Davies and the Chicago Cubs took on Brandon Woodruff and the first-place team in the NL Central. The Brewers greeted their old starter somewhat rudely, as Davies issued a walk to Willy Adames as the second batter of the game, and then he stole second and came around to score on a Christian Yelich double to give Milwaukee an early 1-0 lead.

The game stayed at that score until the fourth inning. In the top half, Javier Baez led off with a triple to right, then scored on a one-out single from Patrick Wisdom. The game stayed 1-1 only briefly, however, as Milwaukee answered right back in their half of the frame. Yelich walked to begin the inning and eventually stole second base, then after a pair of punchouts, Jace Peterson came through with an RBI single to give the home team a 2-1 advantage. The Brewers would eventually load the bases that inning, but leave them stranded.

Davies was done after four innings of two-run ball, but Woodruff lasted through the sixth while giving up just the one run. He allowed four hits, walked three, but punched out eight. Milwaukee’s offense went dormant after Davies exited the game; they finished with only two hits on the night, and only two batters reached base from the fifth inning on — one by walk and one on a fielding error. Fortunately, the Brew Crew bullpen was up to task in this one. Brent Suter and Jake Cousins combined to pitch a scoreless seventh, then Brad Boxberger and Josh Hader put up zeroes in the final two innings to close out this one. Hader recorded his 20th save of the season as the Brewers upped their lead in the division to 5.0 games.

The Brewers will be seeking a sweep in the series finale on Wednesday afternoon and will be throwing a bullpen day, led by prospect Aaron Ashby making his MLB debut. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 PM central.