Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (9/3/26): Cubs 2, Brewers 1 – Gausman, Bullpen Protect Slim Lead

The Cubs finished up their series against the rival Brewers with a low-scoring affair at the Friendly Confines on Thursday night. Things were a little bit different for the home team, with an outstanding effort from the entire pitching staff to secure a split.

Both starting pitchers, Kevin Gausman and Logan Henderson, had excellent stuff in this one and gave up very little. Chicago forged ahead in the bottom of the 3rd when Pete Crow-Armstrong launched a two-run homer to dead center for a 2-0 lead.

Milwaukee cut the deficit in half when Andrew Vaughn hit a solo shot in the top of the 4th. Gausman was lights-out after that, eventually going seven innings and allowing only that one run.

The North Siders’ bullpen finally had a good night, much to the relief of the Wrigley faithful. Ryan Zeferjahn retired the side in order in the top of the 8th, and Ryan Rolison had a perfect 9th inning to close out the 2-1 victory. (Box score)

Key Moment

Henderson only made one mistake on Thursday, but Crow-Armstrong took full advantage. Amazingly, those two 3rd-inning runs turned out to be all the Cubs needed.

Why the Cubs Won

Another outstanding starting pitching effort, and this time it was matched by the relievers.

Stats That Matter

• Gausman is really starting to find a groove in his new home: 7 IP, 1 R, 5 H, 9 K, and 1 BB.
• PCA is now just one home run shy of 40 for the season.
• Alex Bregman had a double and made a great play at third base to retire William Contreras in the 8th inning.

Bottom Line

The Cubs are not going to catch the Brewers, but this was an important game psychologically for Craig Counsell‘s squad. The bullpen has been such a disaster lately, so being able to close out a one-run victory against the best team in baseball was a good boost. With no outside options to help the ‘pen, Chicago needs the current relievers to step up.

On Deck

The Cubs head to Miami for three against the Marlins starting Friday at 6:15pm CT. Shōta Imanaga battles Janson Junk in a game televised on Marquee with a radio feed on The Score.