NEWSLETTER
Annnnnnd … THUD.
This game could not have gotten off to a better start for the Cubs — Justin Steele struck out the side in the top half of the first inning, while Brandon Woodruff labored through a 36-pitch, 3-hit, 1-run bottom half, including a 13-pitch at-bat from Nick Madrigal and Ian Happ’s 100th career home run. But with the exception of Seiya Suzuki’s brilliant day at the plate (3-3, BB, 2B, and home run No. 10), the Cubs just couldn’t muster much on offense all afternoon.
Woodruff ultimately lasted 5.2 innings, giving up just the two runs.
The turning point in the game was ultimately the decision to go the bullpen in the 7th inning, even though Justin Steele was absolutely dominating the Brewers through the first six (9Ks on 15 whiffs with just one walk and basically one legit hit). But I don’t think I fully disagree with the decision.
Steele was at only 89 pitches, but looking at his velo chart, it looks like he may have decided to empty the tank in the 6th. Plus, the heart of the Brewers order was up. It’s a close call, but I do think giving relievers a clean inning is usually the way to go. Obviously, it didn’t work out today, and I’ll be curious to hear what David Ross has to say about it.
Either way, Steele deserves some serious love because he was AWESOME yet again and has been on such a tear for a good long while now.
Anyway, the bullpen just could not hold the Brewers down, allowing tons of hard contact, pitching wildly, and ultimately allowing 5 runs in just 3.0 innings pitched (including three homers (two for Keston Hiura)).
So the winning streak comes to an end at five, but the Cubs did take the series. Tomorrow starts the first of five straight games against the Cardinals at Wrigley Field.
