Pete Crow-Armstrong (Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports)
The Chicago Cubs defeated the Milwaukee Brewers 6-2 on Saturday at American Family Field to secure a series victory. This was the second of a three-game series between the NL Central rivals.
The crowd was resonating with cheers and jeers while more than not dawned Cubbie blue. Manager Craig Counsell brought out the boos in full, including by the likes of his own brother. It’s become something of a tradition in Milwaukee.
After the utter devastation brought on by Michael Busch and the gang in the 10-0 smackdown the day prior, the Brewers were hoping to rebound. It turned out to be something of a pipe dream.
The Cubs got out to an early lead when Justin Turner drove in Ian Happ with an RBI single in the first inning. This gave the Cubs a substantial statistical cushion as the Brewers were 0-11 on the season when the opposing team scores first.
In the bottom of the third inning Jackson Chourio doubled and scored on a single by Brice Turang. This ended a 21-inning scoreless streak for the Brewers.
Pete Crushes Anything (and Everything)
The Cubs quickly answered in the top of the fourth inning with back-to-back home runs. Pete Crow-Armstrong, a name synonymous with high drama in Wrigleyville, hit a three-run shot, his third home run in two games against the Brewers. He continued his impressive performance, freely expressing the ups and downs of his emotional energy. Mostly ups. Dansby Swanson followed with another home run, giving the Cubs a 5-1 lead. Swanson has been emerging from his previous slump while seeing a steady increase in his average.
In the top of the fifth, Kyle Tucker sent a solo shot into the stands to make it 6-2. Tucker’s been having an unforgettable season and has already racked up nine home runs since being traded in the offseason exchange for Isaac Paredes to the Houston Astros.
The Brewers managed to score one more run in the bottom of the sixth when Blake Perkins singled and later scored on a wild pitch, making it 6-2.
Taillon pitched six innings for the Cubs, allowing two runs on three hits and striking out five. Quintana went five innings for the Brewers, giving up six runs on six hits, including the two home runs. The Cubs’ bullpen pitched three scoreless innings to secure the victory and the beginning of a win streak.
The series finale sees them square up again Sunday at 1:10 PM CST.
