Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (6/29/21): Brewers 2, Cubs 1 – Offense Maintains Vow of Silence in 5th Straight Loss

Zach Davies (5-4, 4.31 ERA) took the mound against Brandon Woodruff (6-3, 1.89 ERA) in game two of the series, looking to build off his strong outing versus the Dodgers on Thursday. Davies threw six scoreless innings as part of a combined no-hitter in that one, allowing five walks with four strikeouts to earn the win.

The Brewers jumped out to an early lead with a run in the bottom of the 1st. The Cubs responded in the 4th with an RBI double off the bat of Patrick Wisdom, but Milwaukee regained a one-run advantage in the bottom half of the inning.

That was all the offense either team could muster as the Cubs would ultimately lose 2-1. (Box Score)

Why the Cubs Lost

More offensive futility resulted in tonight’s defeat.

Key Moment

Down 2-1, the Cubs put runners on first and second with one away in the 8th but Eric Sogard lined into an inning-ending double play. For a struggling offense, that was an unfortunate turn of events and ultimately proved to be the difference in tonight’s game.

Stats That Matter

• During their five-game losing streak, the Cubs have been outscored 32-10 while striking out at least 12 times in each game.
• Davies, who made 111 starts for Milwaukee from 2015-19, faced the Brewers for the first time in his career.
• Wisdom went 1-for-3 with an RBI. In the last two games, he’s accounted for three of the Cubs’ five runs.

Bottom Line

Javier Báez striking out on four pitches, none of which were in the zone, in the 9th is a microcosm for what’s been ailing the offense for the last few years. The Cubs’ unwillingness to adapt their approach at the plate is frustrating and needs to change if they plan to challenge for the NL Central crown.

On Deck

Jake Arrieta (5-9, 5.32 ERA) squares off against an as-yet-unnamed starter in the series finale. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10pm CT on Marquee and 670 The Score.