The Kids Are Coming: A Cubs Dynasty (The Show 15)

[Jr.]

Kazmir Dazzles in Debut

Scott Kazmir delivers a pitch in his Cubs debut.

MILWAUKEE – Scott Kazmir was fantastic in his Cubs debut. The former Oakland Athletic pitched 8 innings, allowing only 1 run with 9 strikeouts to lead the Cubs to a 4-3 victory in the first game of a pivotal 4 game series against the division-leading Brewers. Theo Epstein, constantly on the phone with 2 days left in the non-waiver Trade Deadline, was in Milwaukee to see Kazmir throw.

“This is why we went out and got him. Why we gave up a really good, young pitcher in Kyle Hendricks and a couple of prospects that we liked. We wanted his big game experience and composure for our young ball club,” said Epstein after the game about Kazmir.

The Cubs acquired Kazmir 3 days ago, but they gave him an extra day of rest so he could get acclimated to his new team. The Cubs dealt RHP Kyle Hendricks, MiLB pitcher Rob Zastryzny, and OF Jacob Hannemann for Kazmir. Hendricks had occupied the 5^th starter slot all season for Chicago and is 10-4 on the year, but his ERA was at 4.25 and the win-loss record was a bit of smoke and mirrors. Kazmir was the polar opposite. A less than spectacular 6-8 record hid stellar peripherals and Epstein and company chose pursuing him over the more-talented, but surely pricier (no pun intended) David Price. “We would have definitely had to give up one of our more highly touted prospects for Price, there’s no question. He’s certainly worth it, but we didn’t feel it was in the best interest in the club to pursue that route at this time,” Epstein said about trading for Price. The Tigers ace will become a free agent next year, and the Cubs may decide to pursue him at that time, throwing upwards of $200M at the Cy Young winner, rather than possibly mortgaging the future.

Kazmir did deal with a lack of run support for much of his debut.. something he was very familiar with in Oakland. The Cubs got on the board in the 1^st when Jorge Soler singled home Kris Bryant. Former Cub Aramis Ramirez tied the game at 1 in the 4^th with an RBI groundout that scored Carlos Gomez.

Kris Bryant gave the Cubs the lead back in the 6^th inning when he hit a towering home run into the grandstand in left-center field. Bryant found paydirt again in the 8^th, hitting his 20^th home run of the year that just snuck over the left field fence. Jorge Soler added what turned out to be a very important insurance run when he doubled home Starlin Castro to give the Cubs a 4-1 lead.

Kazmir was relieved by closer Jason Motte in the 9^th, and things got interesting. Motte got the first batter of the inning, but gave up a single then a towering 2 run home run to Gomez that cut the lead to 4-3. Jonathan Lucroy then singled to put the winning run at the plate, but Motte froze Adam Lind with an inside fastball to end the game and preserve the Cubs victory.

This was a big win for the Cubs who enter this 4 game series in Milwaukee 5 games back in the division. Despite the teams playing 4 more times the rest of the season, this series could make a statement about how the last 2 months of baseball will go in the NL Central.

The series continues tomorrow as Jason Hammel (8-8 3.70 ERA) looks to snap his 3 start losing streak as he faces Mike Fiers (9-3 3.55 ERA).


Highlights:




Box Score:

Spoiler

Chicago Cubs at Milwaukee Brewers
Jul 30, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (58-45)	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	0	4	9	0
Milwaukee (62-41)	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	3	8	0
W: Scott Kazmir (7-8) L: Matt Garza (8-3) S: Jason Motte (26)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Alcantara, CF	5	0	1	0	0	1	.283
Rizzo, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	0	.305
Bryant, 3B	4	3	3	2	0	1	.268
Castro, SS	4	1	2	0	0	0	.323
Soler, RF	4	0	2	2	0	0	.241
Montero, C	4	0	1	0	0	1	.244
Denorfia, LF	3	0	0	0	1	2	.275
Kazmir, P	3	0	0	0	0	2	.000
Fowler, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	.265
LaStella, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	.206
TOTALS	36	4	9	4	1	9
BATTING 2B: Castro (33), Soler (16) HR: Bryant 2 (20) RBI: Soler 2 (46), Bryant (72)
BASERUNNING SB: Denorfia (6)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Kazmir (W, 7-8)	8.0	5	1	1	0	9	2.72
Motte (S, 26)	1.0	3	2	2	0	1	3.20
TOTALS	9.0	8	3	3	0	10

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Segura, SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	.315
Gennett, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	.270
Braun, RF	4	1	1	0	0	2	.292
Gomez, CF	4	2	2	2	0	1	.246
Lucroy, C	4	0	2	0	0	0	.273
Ramirez, 3B	3	0	0	1	0	0	.270
Sardinas, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	.248
Lind, 1B	4	0	1	0	0	1	.306
Parra, LF	3	0	0	0	0	3	.380
Garza, P	2	0	0	0	0	2	.189
Nelson, 3B	1	0	1	0	0	0	.244
TOTALS	34	3	8	3	0	10
BATTING 2B: Gomez (15), Lucroy (21) HR: Gomez (18) RBI: Gomez 2 (61), Ramirez (53)

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Garza (L, 8-3)	7.0	6	2	2	0	7	2.60
Cotts	0.2	2	2	2	0	0	2.63
Henderson	1.1	1	0	0	1	2	3.56
TOTALS	9.0	9	4	4	1	9

Sim Games Recap:
Rockies Game 1 – Carl Edwards Jr made his MLB debut, and was rudely welcomed by the Colorado Rockies. Edwards was starting in place of Kyle Hendricks who ended up being traded to Oakland after the game in a package to acquire Scott Kazmir. Edwards allowed 3 runs in 3 innings and was subsequently sent back down to AAA after the game. Neil Ramirez allowed 4 runs in relief and the Rockies defeated Chicago 7-5. Anthony Rizzo had 3 RBI and Castro knocked in 2 as he continues his stellar season. Charlie Blackmon and Nolan Arrenado homered for Colorado.

Rockies Game 2 – The Rockies put up 4 in the 1^st inning off of Jon Lester and cruised from there to a 7-2 victory. The Cubs bats were silenced until the 9^th when Dexter Fowler drove in 2 with a double. Lester allowed 5 runs in 4 innings, the most he’d allowed since Opening Day.

Rockies Game 3 – Colorado completed the 3 game sweep in Chicago with a 5-1 victory. The Rockies scored 5 runs in the 7^th, without hitting a home run, as they overcame a 1-0 deficit. Tyler Olsen made his Rockies debut throwing 5 innings allowing 1 run in the no decision. Olsen was acquired from Seattle in a trade for Justin Morneau.

[Jr.]

Rizzo Leads Cubs Past Pirates

Anthony Rizzo's 6th inning 2 run HR gave the Cubs a 3-2 lead over Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH – Anthony Rizzo came through with a clutch 2 run home run late in the game to give the Cubs a 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of the 3 game series. “Anthony’s been in a bit of a funk lately, but he’s got ice in his veins,” said Joe Maddon of his first baseman. “I have so much confidence in him to come through in big moments because they’re not big to him. They’re just moments and he treats them with the same intent and focus as any other at bat.”

As has been customary the majority of this season, the Cubs got on the board early. This time, Kris Bryant put his team ahead with a solo home run to center field in the top of the 1^st inning. It was Bryant’s team-leading 22^nd home run and 74^th RBI of the season. Both numbers lead all rookies and are 2^nd in the NL.

The Pirates answered in the 2^nd inning. Gregor Polanco singled off of Jake Arrieta and Francisco Cervelli had one of the best at-bats of the game as he fought off 4 tough 2 strike pitches and worked the count to 3-2 before lacing a double into the right center gap to score Polanco from 1^st. Cervelli came through again in the 5^th when he drove home Neil Walker with a clutch 2 out single to give the Pirates a 2-1 lead.

That lead wouldn’t last long, however. In the top of the 6^th, Starlin Castro led off the inning with a single to right field, and Rizzo followed with his towering shot into the right field seats. “He had been working his changeup all game, but I had a good feeling he would try to sneak a fastball by me. He wasn’t able to,” said Rizzo about his home run. The home run gave the Cubs and Arrieta a 3-2 lead.

Arrieta finished the 7^th inning with a strikeout, so Joe Maddon decided to send him out for the 8^th. After Josh Harrison doubled to lead off the inning, Maddon went to Pedro Strop. Strop immediately walked the first hitter before getting a pop out and a strike out. Maddon then brought in James Russell to face the left-handed hitting Pedro Alvarez. Russell struck out Alvarez to escape the threat, and finished off the game for his 2^nd save of the season.

When asked about why Jason Motte wasn’t used despite being ready, Maddon said that he felt good about the matchups with the left-handed Russell and if Cervelli got on base, Motte would have likely come in to face the next batter.

The Cubs look for their 3^rd straight win and 5^th in 6 games on Tuesday. Scott Kazmir (7-8 2.72 ERA) will look to duplicate his performance from his first outing as a Cub against Gerritt Cole (7-6 3.46 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 pm CT.

Highlights:


Box Score:

Spoiler

Chicago Cubs at Pittsburgh Pirates
Aug 3, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (61-46)	1	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	3	6	2
Pittsburgh (49-56)	0	1	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	2	7	0
W: Jake Arrieta (5-6) L: Jeff Locke (3-10) S: James Russell (2)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Castro, SS	3	1	1	0	0	0	.321
Rizzo, 1B	4	1	1	2	0	1	.302
Bryant, 3B	4	1	2	1	0	1	.269
Baez, 2B	3	0	0	0	1	1	.225
Denorfia, LF	3	0	0	0	0	0	.270
Montero, C	4	0	0	0	0	2	.245
Soler, RF	3	0	1	0	0	0	.247
Arrieta, P	3	0	1	0	0	1	.175
Alcantara, CF	3	0	0	0	0	2	.277
TOTALS	30	3	6	3	1	8
BATTING HR: Rizzo (21), Bryant (22) RBI: Rizzo 2 (62), Bryant (74) HBP: Castro, Denorfia
FIELDING E: Castro (9), Rizzo (3)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Arrieta (W, 5-6)	7.0	5	2	2	2	5	3.61
Strop (H, 19)	0.2	0	0	0	1	0	0.64
Russell (S, 2)	1.1	2	0	0	0	2	1.17
TOTALS	9.0	7	2	2	3	7

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Harrison, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	0	.276
Marte, LF	2	0	0	0	2	0	.238
McCutchen, CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	.284
Alvarez, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	2	.222
Walker, 2B	3	1	2	0	1	1	.246
Kang, SS	4	0	0	0	0	1	.256
Polanco, RF	3	1	1	0	0	0	.251
Tabata, PH-RF	1	0	1	0	0	0	.243
Cervelli, C	4	0	2	2	0	1	.271
Locke, P	2	0	0	0	0	1	.171
Lombardozzi, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	.189
TOTALS	32	2	7	2	3	7
BATTING 2B: Harrison (28), Polanco (18), Walker (19), Cervelli (14) RBI: Cervelli 2 (14)
BASERUNNING CS: Walker (2), Alvarez (2)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Locke (L, 3-10)	5.0	6	3	3	0	4	4.76
Holdzkom	2.0	0	0	0	1	2	4.20
Caminero	2.0	0	0	0	0	2	3.39
TOTALS	9.0	6	3	3	1	8

[Gronk4M13]

I really like the writeups. Great win over the Pirates. Kazmir is a good acquisition.

[Jr.]

Trade Deadline Frenzy

Big names headlined a flurry of moves throughout the week leading up to July 31

A slew of big names moved as this year’s deadline approached. The Hamels to Toronto trade was a big early move as the Blue Jays look to take charge in a crowded AL Wild Card Race. But that was just the beginning of the fireworks.

Milwaukee, leader in the NL Central since the 1^st week of the season, was expected to be relatively quiet, but they went out and made a surprising move, sending a pair of prospects to Seattle for Hisashi Iwakuma. The Mariners gambled on their plethora of young starters as they shipped out the veteran Iwakuma to make room. In return they picked up OF Victor Roache, and INF Jake Gatewood, who was drafted in the supplemental 1^st round last year. It was a good move for the Brewers to bolster their starting rotation as they try to maintain their lead in the division over a surging Cubs team, who made their own move to add Scott Kazmir.

The Houston Astros also made a move to upgrade their starting staff, though a fairly minor one. They added Dillon Gee from the Mets in exchange for pitcher Joe Musgrave and OF LJ Hoes. Hoes has been a bit of a disappointment thus far, but could benefit from a change of scenery.
The Yankees, never one to stand by at the deadline when in contention, did what most scouts expected and acquired Jonathan Papelbon from the Phillies in exchange for C Gary Sanchez. Sanchez was once seen as the future behind the plate for New York, and was part of the reason the organization was willing to move Jesus Montero for Michael Pineda years ago. But with the emergence of John Ryan Murphy as a suitable platoon with Brian McCann until Luis Torrens is ready, Sanchez became expendable. As for the Phillies, they have a solid number of catching prospects, so expect some to be moved in the future when the team is ready to compete again.

Two of the bigger moves came a few days before the deadline. First, Baltimore made a splash to upgrade their starting rotation by acquiring Johnny Cueto, and added to their stellar bullpen by getting Sean Marshall. In return, the Reds got two high level prospects in RHP Hunter Harvey, and C Chance Cicso, as well as RHP Zach Davies. It was quite a haul for the Reds as Harvey is seen as a future 2 or 1 if he can stay healthy, Davies projects as a middle of the rotation guy, and Cisco could be a future replacement for Devin Mesoraco. Baltimore, despite having a big lead in the division, had struggled with starting pitching. The addition of Cueto allowed the Orioles to DFA Ubaldo Jimenez, who struggled mightily this season.

The other big name to be moved at the deadline was Carlos Gonzalez. He was sent to Texas, yet another team struggling but in contention in a sub-par AL West, for a plethora of solid prospects. In return, the Rockies received a near MLB ready pitcher in Chi Chi Gonzalez, a projectable arm in 21 year old Jake Thompson, and 2B Jurickson Profar. Profar was once a top 10 prospect in all of baseball, but consecutive seasons with shoulder surgery has dropped his stock significantly. He’s expected to make his return to baseball by the end of this season, and with a good showing, we should see him get an opportunity to make the MLB roster out of Spring Training next year.
The Rockies also traded Justin Morneau as Wilin Rosario established himself as a capable first baseman. Morneau was sent to Seattle for RHP Tyler Olsen, who made his MLB debut with the Rockies the following week. The addition of Morneau gives Seattle an everyday first baseman, and allowed the organization to send Jesus Montero back to AAA as he continues to struggle and show that he’s looking more like a AAAA player than a future MLB stalwart. Morneau doesn’t have the power he used to, but with Safeco’s big power allies, he should add a lot of doubles and a high OBP to that lineup.

The deadline ended with some lesser profile moves, but still interesting. The Dodgers, suffering from an overload of INF players, sent Justin Turner to Houston for Jed Lowrie. While the trade doesn’t seem to make immediate sense, it allows the team to move on from Jimmy Rollins, who hasn’t come close to being a productive player, and not stunt the development of Corey Seager. Seager has struggled a bit in AAA but seems to be figuring it out of late. Advancing him to the MLB level would’ve been a mistake that the Dodgers didn’t want to make. Lowrie has 2 years left on his deal, and should be a productive player in that lineup for the rest of the season.

The Yankees added SS Jordy Mercer from the Pirates to help shore up their MIF spots. Mercer figures to platoon with Didi Gregorious at SS and can play 2B if rookie Jose Pirela shows that he’s not able to be the everyday second baseman. In return, the Pirates got a couple of middling prospects in 1B Mike Ford and SS Jorge Mateo for a player that sat the bench most of the season with the emergence of Jung-Ho Kang.

The Miami Marlins made a very under-the-radar move, acquiring veteran C Ryan Hanigan for a pitching prospect. It was a much needed upgrade as JT Realmuto is done for the year with a torn MCL. Jeff Mathis proved to be an incapable replacement, while Hanigan was hitting a career high .307 at the time of the trade. The Marlins should expect some regression, but just about anything will be better than what they were getting out of the catcher position.

Finally, in a deal that came just before the stroke of midnight, the San Francisco Giants upgraded their disaster of a bullpen with the addition of Jordan Walden from St. Louis. Walden has been stellar this season with an ERA in the low 2’s and an over 3:1 K:BB ratio. Walden figures to move nicely into a set up role, where the Giants have been miserable this year. At only 1 game out of the WC race, the Giants know better than anyone that you just have to get to the playoffs, then anything can happen.

It was a fast and furious trade deadline, with more big names moving than we’ve seen in a long time. It’ll be a fun rest of the regular season to see which of these moves pan out, and which ones will leave GM’s with a mountain of regrets.

[Jr.]

3 HRs Power Cubs past Giants

Arismendy Alcantara stole his 18th base of the year and had 4 hits in the Cubs 4-3 victory

CHICAGO – Anthony Rizzo, Javier Baez, and Jorge Soler each hit home runs for the 2^nd consecutive game to lead the Cubs past the San Francisco Giants 4-3 on Friday afternoon. Jon Lester pitched well through 7 innings, ran into some trouble in the 8^th, but held on for his 14^th win of the season.

San Francisco struck first on a Brandon Belt solo home run to left field. It was Belt’s 13^th on the season and staked the Giants to a 1-0 lead that wouldn’t last long as the Cubs answered in the 3^rd inning. Arismendy Alcantara reached base with one of his 4 hits on the day and was driven in on Anthony Rizzo’s 24^th home run of the season, a low line drive shot to the left field bleachers. Javier Baez followed Rizzo with a home run himself 3 batters later to give the Cubs a 3-1 lead.

That score would hold up until the bottom of the 6^th when Jorge Soler tattooed a first pitch fastball from Matt Cain for his 16^th home run. It would prove to be Cain’s last pitch as he was removed from the game afterward. Cain went 5.1 innings, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 3 home runs.

The Cubs looked like they would cruise to victory as Jon Lester dominated the Giants, but San Fran had one rally left in the 8^th inning. Brandon Crawford led off the inning with a sharp single up the middle, and would score on Nori Aoki’s triple into the right center gap 2 batters later. Angel Pagan then followed with a shallow fly ball to left field, but the throw from Alcantara was a poor one and Aoki scored on the sacrifice fly to cut the lead to 4-3.

Chicago loaded the bases in the 9^th, but Rizzo struck out looking on a cutter that seemed to be off the plate. Rizzo expressed his displeasure, but would not be tossed. Jason Motte came in for the 9^th and successfully converted his 28^th save on the season, pitching a perfect inning.

The Cubs have taken the first two of this 4 game series and will look to continue their streak on Saturday afternoon as Jake Arrieta (5-6 3.61 ERA) faces former 2 time Cy Young winner Tim Lincecum (2-2 4.94 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 pm CT as it’s Jake Arrieta bobblehead day at Wrigley. The first 10,000 fans to enter the gates will get the bobblehead version of the Cubs starter.


Highlights:



Box Score:

Spoiler

San Francisco Giants at Chicago Cubs
Aug 7, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
San Francisco (59-50)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	3	6	0
Chicago (64-47)	0	0	3	0	0	1	0	0	x	4	12	0
W: Jon Lester (14-6) L: Matt Cain (8-7) S: Jason Motte (28)

San Francisco Giants
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Aoki, LF	4	1	1	1	0	1	.298
Pagan, CF	3	0	0	1	0	0	.287
Posey, C	4	0	0	0	0	1	.296
Belt, 1B	4	1	1	1	0	1	.254
Pence, RF	4	0	2	0	0	0	.248
McGehee, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	1	.274
Panik, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	0	.247
Crawford, SS	3	1	1	0	0	0	.260
Cain, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	.159
Bowker, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	.298
TOTALS	31	3	6	3	0	4
BATTING 3B: Aoki (3) HR: Belt (13) RBI: Aoki (37), Pagan (44), Belt (47) HBP: Cain SF: Pagan
BASERUNNING SB: Pence (8)

San Francisco Giants
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Cain (L, 8-7)	5.1	7	4	4	1	3	2.83
Casilla	1.2	2	0	0	1	1	4.73
Kontos	1.0	3	0	0	0	2	2.52
TOTALS	8.0	12	4	4	2	6

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Alcantara, LF	5	1	4	0	0	1	.288
Rizzo, 1B	4	1	2	2	1	1	.299
Bryant, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	0	.267
Castro, SS	3	0	0	0	1	0	.318
Baez, 2B	4	1	1	1	0	0	.224
Soler, RF	4	1	2	1	0	0	.250
Ross, C	4	0	0	0	0	2	.206
Lester, P	3	0	1	0	0	1	.213
LaStella, PH	1	0	1	0	0	0	.235
Fowler, CF	4	0	1	0	0	1	.250
TOTALS	36	4	12	4	2	6
BATTING 2B: Alcantara (17) HR: Rizzo (24), Soler (16), Baez (21) RBI: Rizzo 2 (69), Soler (48), Baez (59)
BASERUNNING SB: Alcantara (18), LaStella (2)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Lester (W, 14-6)	8.0	6	3	3	0	3	3.14
Motte (S, 28)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	3.05
TOTALS	9.0	6	3	3	0	4

Sim Games Recap:

Pirates Game 2 – Scott Kazmir improved to 2-0 with Chicago after a complete game shutout of the Pirates. Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant supplied the power, both hitting a HR, and Starlin Castro and Tommy LaStella drove in a run each to lead the Cubs to the 5-0 victory. Kazmir allowed 4 hits, walked 1 and struck out 8.

Pirates Game 3 – Pittsburgh salvaged a win in the final game of the series with a 2-1 victory. Bryant homered for the 2^nd game in a row, but that was all the Cubs could muster against Francisco Liriano and the Cubs bullpen. Jason Hammel threw well in defeat allowing 2 runs in 5.2 innings, but lost his 9^th decision on the season. Andrew McCutchen and Neil Walker supplied the offense for Pittsburgh.

Giants Game 1 – Chicago scored 5 runs in the 7^th and 8^th innings to overcome a 1-0 deficit for the 5-1 victory. James Russell was credited with the win in relief as Rizzo, Soler, and Baez all homered late in the game for the Cubs. Travis Wood threw 6 innings and gave up 1 run, unearned, but did not factor in to the decision.

[Jr.]

Wood Stifles Brewers

Travis Wood improved his record to 11-6 with 7 shutout innings over the Brewers on Wednesday.

CHICAGO – Travis Wood was stellar on a rainy day at Wrigley Field. Wood earned his 11^th win as he threw 7 scoreless innings to lead the Cubs to a 4-0 win over the Brewers.

Kris Bryant got the Cubs on the board quickly in the top of the 1^st. After a single from Arismendy Alcantara and a double by Anthony Rizzo, Bryant drove them both in with a sharp single up the middle. It was Bryant’s team-leading 77^th and 78^th RBIs on the season. The Cubs added another pair of runs in the 2^nd thanks to a sacrifice fly from Wood and a RBI single by Dexter Fowler.

And that would be all that Wood needed. He cruised through the Brewers order, giving up very little solid contact on his way to the victory. Wood allowed only 4 hits and struck out 7. He went out for the 8^th inning, but was removed after walking the leadoff hitter on 4 pitches. James Russell came in a shut the door, pitching 1.1 innings while Pedro Strop closed the game out with a strike out of Carlos Gomez.

The victory put the Cubs back to 2 games behind the Brewers in the division, with a chance to cut it to 1 game with a victory on Thursday. Ace Jon Lester (14-6 3.14 ERA) will take the mound looking for his 15^th win. He will be opposed by Jimmy Nelson (4-8 4.13 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 1:20 pm CT.


Highlights:



Box Score:

Spoiler

Milwaukee Brewers at Chicago Cubs
Aug 12, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Milwaukee (67-48)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	4	1
Chicago (65-50)	2	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	x	4	9	0
W: Travis Wood (11-6) L: Kyle Lohse (15-6)

Milwaukee Brewers
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Segura, SS	4	0	2	0	0	0	.303
Gennett, 2B	4	0	1	0	0	0	.272
Braun, RF	4	0	0	0	0	0	.297
Gomez, CF	4	0	1	0	0	3	.246
Lucroy, C	3	0	0	0	0	0	.266
Ramirez, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	1	.261
Lind, 1B	2	0	0	0	1	1	.292
Parra, LF	3	0	0	0	0	1	.289
Lohse, P	1	0	0	0	0	1	.222
Sardinas, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	.249
Davis, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	.292
TOTALS	30	0	4	0	1	8
BATTING 2B: Segura 2 (36)
BASERUNNING CS: Gennett (6)
FIELDING E: Braun (5)

Milwaukee Brewers
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Lohse (L, 15-6)	5.0	7	4	3	1	0	2.54
Cotts	2.0	2	0	0	0	3	2.44
Broxton	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	3.81
TOTALS	8.0	9	4	3	1	3

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Alcantara, LF	4	1	2	0	0	0	.280
Rizzo, 1B	4	1	1	0	0	1	.297
Bryant, 3B	4	0	2	2	0	0	.266
Castro, SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	.311
Soler, RF	4	0	0	0	0	0	.243
Montero, C	3	1	1	0	1	0	.246
Baez, 2B	3	1	1	0	0	1	.223
Wood, P	1	0	0	1	0	0	.261
Fowler, CF	3	0	1	1	0	1	.247
TOTALS	30	4	9	4	1	3
BATTING 2B: Rizzo (22), Montero (14), Bryant (17) RBI: Wood (4), Fowler (12), Bryant 2 (78) SF: Wood SAC: Wood
BASERUNNING SB: Alcantara (19)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Wood (W, 11-6)	7.0	4	0	0	1	7	3.60
Russell	1.1	0	0	0	0	0	1.01
Strop	0.2	0	0	0	0	1	0.81
TOTALS	9.0	4	0	0	1	8

Sim Games Recap:

Giants Game 3 – San Francisco avenged their 2 losses to open the series with a 7-2 beating of the Cubs. Jake Arrieta failed to finish the 4^th inning as he gave up 6 runs and 6 hits in 3.1 innings. Tim Lincecum threw 7 strong innings for the Giants as Angel Pagan homered and drove in 2 runs. Hunter Pence and Joe Panik also drove in 2 runs apiece.

Giants Game 4 – World Series hero Madison Bumgarner pitched his first no-hitter, and nearly threw a perfect game, as the Giants split the series with Chicago thanks to a 2-0 victory. This game was all about Bumgarner as he baffled the Cubs prolific offense. He struck out 10 and only missed a perfect game due to a Joe Panik error in the 8^th inning. It was the first time the Cubs have been no-hit since 1965, when Sandy Koufax threw a perfect game with 14 Ks.

Brewers Game 1 – Milwaukee notched a big victory in game 1 of the series, 2-1. Both pitchers were stellar as Mike Fiers went 6.1 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits, while Jason Hammel went 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 7 hits. Jorge Soler hit a home run for the Cubs lone run. Milwaukee got RBI doubles from Aramis Ramirez and Manny Parra. Frankie Rodriguez converted his 44^th save of the season to ensure that the Brewers would retain their lead in the division after this series.

[Jr.]

Olt Powers Cubs Past White Sox


Jorge Soler makes a diving grab, robbing Avasail Garcia of extra bases late in the Cubs 4-1 victory

CHICAGO – The Cubs managed to avoid the sweep by their cross-town rivals as Mike Olt drove in 3 runs and Jason Hammel pitched 7 innings of 1 run ball to lead the Cubs to a 4-1 victory. Olt, starting at DH, had 2 hits, including a 2 run HR, and drove in a 3^rd run on a ground out. It was his first multi-RBI game in over 2 months.

“I don’t get a lot of consistent ABs, so it’s been tough to find a rhythm this year,” said Olt after the game. “I was just glad I was able to contribute and help the team win.” While Olt had one of his better performances of the season, the starting third baseman had one of his worst. Kris Bryant has had an excellent rookie season, including an All-Star berth and top 5 NL ranks in HRs and RBIs, but this was a game to forget for the youngster as he struck out 4 times, left 8 men on base, and made an error. Luckily it didn’t affect the outcome of the game for the Cubs.

Jason Hammel was spectacular as he struck out 7, allowed 4 hits, and walked none in earning his 10^th win of the season. Hammel has pitched very well since the All-Star Break, allowing 2 runs or less in 5 of his 6 starts, but has a 2-4 record to show for it as he has gotten 1 run or less in 4 of those 6 starts.

With the win, the Cubs are now .5 games back of the Brewers, who have lost 7 of their last 10. After an off day tomorrow, the Cubs return to Wrigley to host a quick 2 game set against the Detroit Tigers, before inviting the Atlanta Braves to the Friendly Confines. Travis Wood (11-6 3.60 ERA) takes the mound against Alfredo Simon (7-12 3.87 ERA) on Tuesday.

Highlights:



Box Score:

Spoiler

Chicago Cubs at Chicago White Sox
Aug 16, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (67-52)	0	0	0	0	2	2	0	0	0	4	8	1
Chicago (59-58)	0	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	0	1	4	2
W: Jason Hammel (10-10) L: Jeff Samardzija (5-10) S: Jason Motte (30)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Alcantara, LF	5	0	3	1	0	1	.287
Rizzo, 1B	3	0	0	0	2	0	.295
Bryant, 3B	5	0	1	0	0	4	.262
Castro, SS	5	0	0	0	0	0	.305
Soler, RF	5	0	0	0	0	2	.244
Montero, C	3	1	1	0	0	2	.246
Baez, 2B	4	2	1	0	0	0	.223
Olt, DH	4	1	2	3	0	1	.276
Denorfia, LF	2	0	0	0	2	0	.258
TOTALS	36	4	8	4	4	10
BATTING 2B: Baez (17), Alcantara (18) 3B: Alcantara (4) HR: Olt (3) RBI: Olt 3 (10), Alcantara (33) HBP: Montero
FIELDING E: Bryant (3)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Hammel (W, 10-10)	7.0	3	1	1	0	7	3.48
Strop (H, 21)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0.79
Motte (S, 30)	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	2.91
TOTALS	9.0	4	1	1	0	7

Chicago White Sox
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Eaton, CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	.267
Cabrera, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	.294
Abreu, DH	4	0	0	0	0	2	.271
LaRoche, 1B	3	1	1	0	0	1	.298
Garcia, RF	3	0	0	1	0	0	.230
Gillaspie, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	0	.258
Ramirez, SS	3	0	1	0	0	1	.252
Flower, C	3	0	0	0	0	2	.244
Bechkam, 2B	3	0	2	0	0	0	.266
TOTALS	30	1	4	1	0	7
BATTING 2B: LaRoche (20), Ramirez (22), Beckham (22) RBI: Garcia (46)
FIELDING E: Gillaspie (6), Ramirez (14)

Chicago White Sox
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Samardzija (L, 5-10)	5.1	5	4	3	2	7	5.06
Albers	0.2	1	0	0	2	1	2.69
Jones	2.0	1	0	0	0	1	4.36
Putnam	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	4.30
TOTALS	9.0	8	4	3	4	10

Sim Games Recap:

Brewers Game 3 – The Cubs scored 3 in the bottom of the 8^th to overcome a 3-2 deficit and defeat the Brewers 5-3 to win the series. Anthony Rizzo hit a 2 run HR in the 1^st and Tommy LaStella hit a clutch, bases clearing, pinch hit double in the 8^th. Neil Ramirez was credited with the win in relief as he retired the only batter he faced.

White Sox Game 1 – The Cubs fell to their south side rivals 4-3 in game 1. Jake Arrieta allowed 4 runs and home runs to Jose Abreu and Melky Cabrera. The Cubs scored 3 runs in the 8^th on a Javy Baez HR and an Arismendy Alcantara RBI single, but couldn’t muster anything in the 9^th against closer David Robertson.

White Sox Game 2 – The White Sox walked off against the Cubs with a 3-2 victory as Melky Cabrera drove in JB Shuck in the 10^th inning. Jorge Soler hit a 2 run HR for all of the Cubs offense as Scott Kazmir continues to show he was the right man to get a the deadline for the Cubs. Kazmir allowed 2 runs in the 1^st inning, then shut down the White Sox for 6 innings after that to keep the Cubs in the game. Justin Grimm was credited with the loss in relief, throwing 2.1 innings allowing 1 run.

[Jr.]

Cubs Walk Off on Braves

Jorge Soler celebrates his leadoff double in the 9th inning of the Cubs 3-2 victory

CHICAGO – The Cubs evened up their series against the Braves thanks to a walk-off single by Miguel Montero. Freddie Freeman hit a game-tying home run off of Edwin Jackson in the 8^th inning to set up the dramatic victory for Chicago.

Scott Kazmir made his 4^th start for the Cubs and scattered 9 hits over 7 one-run innings to set himself up nicely for his second win as a Cub, but miscommunication between manager Joe Maddon and the bullpen put the game in the wrong hands. “I wanted Stropy [Pedro Strop] ready, but I guess there was an issue with the phone and our bullpen coach heard Edwin,” said Maddon after the game. “It was an honest mistake, but something that we’ll look into when we get to the park tomorrow. We have to make sure there is clarity in our communication.”

Jackson came in, much to the surprise of Maddon, and subsequently gave up the tying home run to Freeman on a hanging 0-2 slider. Strop came in after that and pitched two perfect innings to get his 2^nd win of the season and lower his ERA to 0.73 on the season.

The Braves struck first when Freddie Freeman doubled and scored on a Chris Johnson single in the top of the 1^st inning. Kazmir found himself in trouble again in the 2^nd, but got a strikeout and pop out to get out of it unscathed.

The Cubs answered back in the 3^rd inning thanks to a string of hits. Kazmir led off the frame with a 4 pitch walk, and was followed by a 5 pitch walk from Dexter Fowler. Anthony Rizzo followed an Arismendy Alcantara strikeout with a perfectly placed double down the left field line that scored Kazmir. Kris Bryant then hit a sharp single off of Shelby Miller’s pitching arm that scored Fowler. Miller would stay in the game and only give up those 2 runs while striking out 9 over 7 innings.

The bullpen mishap set the stage for some quick drama in the 9^th, as the Cubs needed only 2 batters in the inning to finish the game. Jorge Soler led off with a line drive double down the right field line. Miguel Montero then drove a 2-2 fastball into the right-center gap that scored Soler easily for the Cubs second walk-off of the week.

The Cubs will send Jason Hammel (10-10 3.48 ERA) to the mound against Julio Teheran (9-10 3.40 ERA) tomorrow as they continue to chase the Brewers in the division. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 pm CT.


Highlights:



Box Score:

Spoiler

Atlanta Braves at Chicago Cubs
Aug 21, 2015	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Atlanta (59-63)	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	0	2	10	0
Chicago (69-54)	0	0	2	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	7	0
W: Pedro Strop (2-1) L: Nick Masset (5-8)

Atlanta Braves
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Perez, CF	4	0	1	0	0	1	.251
Gosselin, 2B	4	0	0	0	0	1	.234
Freeman, 1B	4	2	3	1	0	0	.318
Gomes, LF	4	0	1	0	0	2	.255
Johnson, 3B	4	0	2	1	0	0	.280
Simmons, SS	4	0	0	0	0	0	.233
Pierzynski, C	4	0	1	0	0	0	.215
Hunter, RF	4	0	2	0	0	0	.217
Miller, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	.137
Bethancourt, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	.309
Ciriaco, PH	1	0	0	0	0	0	.178
TOTALS	35	2	10	2	0	4
BATTING 2B: Freeman (24) HR: Freeman (26) RBI: Freeman (76), Johnson (29) SAC: Miller

Atlanta Braves
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Miller	6.0	4	2	2	2	9	2.83
Avilan	2.0	1	0	0	0	2	3.22
Masset (L, 5-8)	0.0	2	1	1	0	0	3.96
TOTALS	8.0	7	3	3	2	11

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	BI	BB	SO	AVG
Alcantara, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	.275
Rizzo, 1B	4	0	1	1	0	1	.291
Bryant, 3B	4	0	3	1	0	1	.266
Castro, SS	4	0	1	0	0	0	.306
Soler, RF	4	1	1	0	0	3	.241
Montero, C	3	0	1	1	0	2	.250
Baez, 2B	3	0	0	0	0	1	.220
Kazmir, P	1	1	0	0	1	1	.000
Olt, PH	1	0	0	0	0	1	.272
Fowler, CF	2	1	0	0	1	0	.238
TOTALS	30	3	7	3	2	11
BATTING 2B: Rizzo (25), Soler (18) RBI: Rizzo (75), Montero (28), Bryant (81) HBP: Montero

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	ERA
Kazmir	7.0	9	1	1	0	3	2.45
Jackson (BS, 1)	0.0	1	1	1	0	0	2.86
Strop (W, 2-1)	2.0	0	0	0	0	1	0.73
TOTALS	9.0	10	2	2	0	4

Sim Games Recap:

Tigers Game 1 – The Cubs defeated the Tigers 3-2 on a walk-off home run by Anthony Rizzo in the 11^th inning. Starlin Castro also homered in the game. Travis Wood pitched well, but did not factor into the decision as the Chicago bullpen threw 5.1 innings of shutout ball. James Russell was credited with the win, his 4^th this year, after pitching 2 innings.

Tigers Game 2 – Detroit earned a split of the short 2 game series with a 4-1 victory. Joe Maddon’s former ace in Tampa Bay, David Price shut the Cubs offense down, allowing only 3 hits and 1 run over 8.2 innings while striking out 11. Jon Lester failed in his second attempt to record his 15^th win of the season, allowing 4 runs over 5 innings.

Braves Game 1 – Atlanta scored 6 runs in the 7^th and one in the 9^th to overcome a 6-0 deficit and beat the Cubs 7-6. Jake Arrieta cruised through the first 6 innings, but hit a wall in the 7^th and the bullpen failed to hold the lead. Hector Rondon was credited with the loss after giving up a home run to Johnny Gomes in the 9^th. Kris Bryant led the Cubs offensively as he went 2-3 with a HR and 2 RBI. Tommy LaStella chipped in 3 hits and an RBI in a spot start for a struggling Javier Baez.