The Cubs (75-43) also claimed a 4-0 victory over the Brewers in the opener of Tuesday’s day-night twin bill. The Cubs’ starting pitchers have enjoyed remarkable health all season long, as Cahill was just the eighth different starter they’ve used through the season’s first 118 games.
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“We think we dodged a bullet there, ” Milwaukee manager Craig Counsel said of Braun. After two more strong pitching performances powered the Cubs to a doubleheader sweep of the visiting Milwaukee Brewers, left-hander Jon Lester looks to help Chicago make it three straight when the National League Central rivals continue their four-game series Wednesday.
The Cubs roughed up Brewers starter Jimmy Nelson (6-13) with five runs in the first inning and another in the third. The Milwaukee Brewers have an ERA of 4.26 and have lost seven straight games when allowing more than three runs.
“He had really good stuff”, Maddon said.
Soler is hitting.379 (11-for-29) with four home runs since coming back.
With right-hander John Lackey’s right shoulder still sore after he left Sunday’s start, Cahill provides an option if the Cubs need a replacement. Tyler Cravy, Milwaukee’s 26th player, threw two scoreless innings.
Lester (13-4) got his fourth straight win, giving up one run and three hits in 62/3 innings while striking out seven.
“Where he struggled was execution with two strikes, but they deserve credit, too, for putting good at-bats together with two strikes”, Counsell said. But the right-hander struggled in Arizona, started three games for Atlanta in April a year ago, moved to the bullpen and was released before signing with Chicago.
The Cubs meanwhile, have won two consecutive games and are 16-3 in their past 19 games.
Chicago Cubs’ Kris Bryant scores on a sacrifice fly by Addison Russell as Milwaukee Brewers catc …
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Cubs: OF Chris Coghlan was placed on the 15-day DL on Wednesday with a right rib contusion.
