Ian Happ hit a home run as six Chicago Cubs pitchers combined efforts to secure a 3-1 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers
Ian Happ hit a solo home run, and six Chicago pitchers combined to limit the Milwaukee Brewers to five hits in a 3-1 victory on Monday night.
Michael Busch and Dansby Swanson each had two hits as the Cubs held off the NL Central-leading Brewers, ending their three-game winning streak.
Willy Adames hit his team-leading 16th home run for the Brewers in the eighth inning to score their only run.
Chicago starter Javier Assad struggled with control, walking six batters but allowing only one hit in 3 1/3 innings before leaving due to a right forearm strain. Despite the walks, he kept the Brewers scoreless.
“We had too many walks, but we managed to survive,” said Cubs manager Craig Counsell.
Five relievers followed Assad, combining to give up just one run over the remaining 5 2/3 innings. Drew Smyly (3-5) earned the win by pitching effectively in a tight situation, while Hector Neris notched his 14th save with a scoreless ninth inning.
“It was really impressive,” Happ commented. “Smyly came in and shut them down in a big spot. Everyone else followed, throwing strikes and staying ahead in the count.”
Brewers rookie Tobias Myers (6-4) allowed three runs, two of them earned, on six hits over 5 1/3 innings.
