Cubs center fielder Pete Crow-Armstrong drop-stepped and crossed back twice to set up under the deep fly ball that the Brewers’ Christian Yelich to straightaway center field off Cubs left-handed reliever Drew Pomeranz.
The uncharacteristic error in the Cubs 9-3 loss to the Brewers on Tuesday was one of three the Cubs committed, two of which led to runs.
“This is not a character game defensively for us, 100%,” manager Craig Counsell said. “We’ve created outs, and tonight we gave away some outs. We’ll get back to playing good defense, I’m sure of that.”
As the Brewers orchestrated a three-run rally in the fifth inning to seize control of the game, the Cubs used three pitchers in the inning.
Cubs starter Colin Rea, who was charged with four runs in four-plus innings, gave up a leadoff triple to Jackson Chourio on a line drive that Crow-Armstrong tracked almost the whole way but missed as it caromed off the wall. Chourio then exited with a right hamstring spasm, according to the Brewers.
Rea’s day was done after he gave up an RBI double to William Contreras. Pomeranz recorded one out, and right-hander Ryan Brasier finished the inning, but not before the Brewers capitalized on Crow-Armstrong’s mistake.
The next inning, second baseman Nico Hoerner also made an error, dropping a line drive as he started his transfer early, which led to an unearned run when Cubs reliever Ryan Pressly surrendered a grand slam to Andrew Vaughn.
“I don’t think you’re going to have another game this year where Pete and I both drop balls,” Hoerner said. “… Doesn’t make it any easier today, but we’ll be ready to go tomorrow.”
Happ exits
Cubs left fielder Ian Happ left the game in the top of the eighth inning after fouling a pitch off his left shin/ankle. He said he felt lightheaded and was helped off the field by manager Craig Counsell and a trainer.
Happ’s X-rays came back negative, he said after the game. His pain level was “not low,” but he didn’t rule out playing in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.
“If I can’t walk tomorrow, we’ll know something’s wrong,” he said. “But as long as I’m walking around, we’ll be alright.”
Cubs DFA Flexen
The Cubs designated right-hander Chris Flexen for assignment on Tuesday, after he gave up two runs to the Brewers in two innings Wednesday. They recalled reliever Gavin Hollowell to add a fresh arm to the bullpen.
Flexen has recorded a 7.95 ERA in his last five outings, but he entered that rough stretch with a 0.62 ERA and didn’t allow an earned run in his first 12 appearances for the Cubs.
“He’s contributed in some big ways to this team, and sometimes it doesn’t feel fair,” Counsell said. “We made a decision, we’vee got to move forward with it. But when somebody’s made that level of contribution, it’s certainly difficult.”
Hollowell entered the game in the eighth inning, walked the first batter he faced, but then struck out the next three.
Taillon set for rehab assignment
Cubs right-hander Jameson Taillon (strained right calf) threw a 40-pitch live batting practice session before the game Tuesday at American Family Field. He went through his usual pre-start warm-up and then simulated two innings.
Taillon is scheduled to make a rehab start Saturday for Triple-A Iowa.
Standings check
The Cubs and Brewers entered the series tied for the best record in the National League. But as the Cubs dropped the first two games of the series in Milwaukee, they dropped behind their division rival in the battle for the NL Central.
“It is a unique time in the season, and fortunately, we play these guys again tomorrow and then again at home in a couple of weeks,” Hoerner said. “So there’s plenty of opportunities, but it’s on us to seize them.”
