Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (4/24/21): Brewers 4, Cubs 3 – Brew Crew Rallies Back to Win
Following a sweep of the Mets and a romp over the Brewers in Friday’s opener, the Cubs looked to extend their season-high winning streak to five on Saturday. Things were looking good early on, but Milwaukee rallied back in the middle innings to win a close game.
Nico Hoerner put Chicago on the board in the 2nd inning with a two-run double grounded past third. Adbert Alzolay made the start and was extremely sharp, striking out seven to preserve the 2-0 lead into the 5th.
Alzolay began to tire in that frame and David Ross pulled him with runners on the corners and two out. Rex Brothers took over and had no idea where the ball was going. The lefty walked a pair, then hit a batter to force in the tying runs.
Manny PiƱa gave the Brewers a 4-2 lead in the 7th when he took Andrew Chafin deep for a two-run homer to left. Jason Heyward hit a solo shot off Devin Williams in the 8th to cut the lead to one, but Josh Hader slammed the door shut in the 9th to preserve the Milwaukee win. (Box Score)
Why the Cubs Lost
The offense shut down after early production and never really woke back up.
Key Moment
Chicago native Corey Ray made his MLB debut, working a two-out walk in the 5th to knock Alzolay out of the game. The Brewers would go on tie the game three batters later.
Stats That Matter
- Alzolay’s starts have been good, he just needs to work on the finishes: 4.2 IP, 2 R, 2 H, 7 K, and 2 BB.
- Hoerner had two walks in addition to his double.
- Ross was ejected in the 9th after Hader got an insanely high pitch called a strike to Jake Marisnick.
- Eric Sogard had three infield singles and a run.
Bottom Line
This was a tough loss for the Cubs after a good start to the game. The fact that Alzolay looks so solid is a very promising sign, just hope he keeps it going.
On Deck
Chicago will try to take the rubber match Sunday at 1:20pm CT. It’s a good pitching matchup between Jake Arrieta and Brandon Woodruff that will be available on Marquee and 670 The Score.