Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/19/22): Cubs 8, Brewers 7 – Cubs Win Fourth Straight
The Cubs took on the Brewers in a wild wind-aided shootout at Wrigley Friday afternoon. Chicago took advantage of the conditions to hit two clutch home runs and take home a win
Andrew McCutchen hit a two-run homer off of Keegan Thompson to give Milwaukee an early edge in the top of the 1st. The home team battled back immediately in the bottom of the frame with a Seiya Suzuki double and a Franmil Reyes triple to tie the score. An Ian Happ infield single put the Cubs up 3-2.
A 2nd inning sacrifice fly from Willson Contreras doubled the lead but the Brewers would come roaring back. Rowdy Tellez hit a solo home run. Two batters later, Hunter Renfroe would destroy a Thompson pitch for a two-run bomb off the videoboard to make it 5-4 in the 3rd.
Patrick Wisdom took Aaron Ashby deep for his own two-run jack to put Chicago back ahead in the 5th. Milwaukee wasted no time restoring the lead the next frame when a Christian Yelich RBI grounder and a Willy Adames single put them ahead 7-6.
It was Christopher Morel who had the game-winning blow in the bottom of the 6th inning. The dynamic rookie lifted a high fly ball down the left-field line for a go-ahead two-run dinger.
The Cubs bullpen locked it down from there and Brandon Hughes closed out the 8-7 victory. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
They did not collapse after giving up two separate leads in the middle innings and held on thanks to another quality effort by the relief corps.
Eye on the Future
- It does seem like Thompson is running out of gas this season: 3.2 IP, 5 R, 6 H, 3 K, and 3 BB.
- Morel needed that homer after his recent slump.
- Nick Madrigal had three more hits on Friday and is red hot at the moment.
Stats That Matter
- Another day, another two-hit game for Happ.
- Michael Rucker and Mark Leiter Jr. both were very impressive in their relief appearances Friday.
Bottom Line
The Cubs are getting players to step up their performances since the All-Star break. It has to make you feel better about their talent evaluation and acquisition going forward. Perhaps even with them competing for the postseason in 2023.
On Deck
Game two of the series is Saturday at 1:20pm CT. Marcus Stroman does battle with Freddy Peralta in a game available on FS1 (out-of-market only), Marquee Sports Network, and 670 The Score.
