Cubs Struggle as Brewers Take the Lead in NL Central

Almost two weeks ago, the Chicago Cubs had a strong performance with their second 10-game winning streak of the season. Their momentum has shifted since. The Cubs fell from the top position in the National League Central standings after a 5-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers on Tuesday. This marked the first time since April 30 during their previous 10-game streak that the Cubs were not leading the division.

Currently, the Cubs are on a four-game losing streak, having won just two of their last ten games. They aim to avoid a sweep in their upcoming game against the Brewers at Wrigley Field. Ian Happ commented on the season’s challenges after a disappointing 0-for-3 performance, noting: “Every year has periods like that. I do think that if we had the same record we have today but we just won every single series, it would feel a bit different, a little bit more consistent.” Despite the setbacks, Happ remains optimistic about their current standings.

Ben Brown started for the Cubs, facing the Brewers in a challenging match. Jacob Misiorowski, the Brewers’ right-hander, was effective, allowing only three hits and one walk while striking out eight in six innings. The Cubs missed opportunities, such as in the first inning when they had runners on but couldn’t capitalize. Misiorowski’s ability to settle in quickly contributed to the Cubs’ struggles at the plate.

Cubs manager Craig Counsell observed that the team missed their chances, saying: “I thought we took some good swings and just missed some balls, and then he got locked in.” He emphasized the difficulty of facing Misiorowski’s “strikeout stuff” and the need for aggression at the plate.

Despite the loss, Ben Brown’s performance showed promising developments. Previously, Brown had issues with one-inning implosions, but this game highlighted improvements. In a critical fourth inning, Brown overcame errors to prevent further damage, displaying growth in his pitching strategy. His integration of a sinker and a changeup has been intended to reduce predictability and increase stability in his pitching.

Brown allowed three runs in five innings, maintaining a season ERA of 2.09. Counsell praised Brown’s progress, noting his ability to prevent further runs was encouraging: “I thought Ben made some pretty good pitches, even on some hits, but he got in some trouble. And then he’s got the strikeout in him, which is a big deal.” Brown reflected positively on his performance but acknowledged areas for improvement.

The Cubs’ offense struggled against Misiorowski, whose fastball reached speeds over 100 mph. His performance included 14 called strikes and six whiffs, contributing to the Cubs’ limited scoring opportunities. Happ remarked on Misiorowski’s effectiveness with such speed; the difficulty lies in facing a pitcher who commands high-speed pitches within the strike zone.

The Cubs managed to threaten in the eighth inning, scoring two runs, but failed to maintain the momentum. With bases loaded, right-hander Chad Patrick halted the rally by inducing a forceout. The Brewers’ continued excellence in the ninth sealed the Cubs’ fate.

Craig Counsell remains focused on upcoming games, highlighting the need to improve. “We’ve got 115 games to go, and they beat us the first two games — they beat us for sure, flat out,” Counsell concluded. The Cubs aim to achieve a victory in the next matchup to regain stability in their season.