Nearly two weeks ago, the Chicago Cubs were experiencing the thrill of their second 10-game winning streak this season. Unfortunately, their fortunes have changed.
Tuesday’s 5-2 defeat by the Milwaukee Brewers marked the Cubs’ first absence from the top position in the National League Central standings since April 30, when they last enjoyed a 10-win streak. This loss is part of a tough stretch, with the Cubs losing four consecutive games and winning only two of their last ten. They now aim to avoid a series sweep Wednesday at Wrigley Field.
“Every year has periods like that,” Ian Happ remarked after his 0-for-3 game with two strikeouts. “If we had the same record but won every series, it might feel more consistent. There’s positives and negatives to our ten-game streaks and current record, but we’re nine games above .500 and in a good position. If you had told us this would be our record at this point, I think we’d have taken it. We’ll move on and focus on tomorrow.”
The Cubs’ offense struggled again in crucial moments, something that has plagued them recently. Jacob Misiorowski, a formidable right-hander, was tough on the Cubs, allowing only three hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings. They had an early opportunity in the first inning when Nico Hoerner walked and Michael Busch reached base on an error. Despite this, Misiorowski quickly recovered, getting Alex Bregman to fly out and striking out both Happ and Seiya Suzuki to end the inning. The Cubs only had another chance to score in the eighth inning.
Manager Craig Counsell noted, “I thought we took some good swings but just missed hitting the ball well, then Misiorowski settled in. You have to decide whether to wait for a count or attack early because he has strikeout capability and threw many strikes, so you have to be aggressive.”
On a positive note, starting pitcher Ben Brown showed promise. A crucial moment in the fourth inning highlighted his development, showing long-term potential. Previously, an error-prone inning would have derailed Brown’s outcomes, but this time he remained composed. His evolving pitch mix, with a new sinker and a changeup complementing his fastball and curveball, has reduced predictability, benefitting his effectiveness.
This game tested Brown, who entered with two consecutive four shutout innings against the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves. The Brewers scored three times in the first three innings and threatened to increase their lead in the fourth. Pete Crow-Armstrong dropped a fly ball, and David Hamilton reached on a high-bouncing bunt. Brown’s earlier version might have lost control, but he persevered, overcoming Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang, and got William Contreras to ground out, keeping the deficit at 3-0.
“Ben made solid pitches even during hits,” Counsell said. “He faced difficulties but struck out batters when crucial, which is significant. Each outing won’t be easy, but I’m pleased with his progress.”
Brown completed five innings, allowing three runs and maintaining a 2.09 season ERA, providing the Cubs a chance to close the score gap. Brown reflected, “I minimized damage well. Post wild pitch, I could’ve improved execution, but I felt my overall performance was strong. There’s room for growth, yet I’m content with how I executed.”
Misiorowski’s pitching prowess made scoring difficult. His fastball ranged from 99.6 to 101.5 mph, contributing to 14 called strikes and six whiffs among his eight strikeouts. The Cubs had another scoring opportunity in the eighth when Hoerner’s single drove in a run. Yet, crucial strikeouts by Aaron Ashby against Busch and Bregman limited their momentum. With the bases loaded, pinch hitter Michael Conforto grounded into a forceout, ending the eighth inning rally, while Abner Uribe efficiently closed the ninth.
Manager Craig Counsell concluded, “There are 115 games left. They beat us the first two games decisively. We need to come back and try to win a game tomorrow.”