Cubs Ride Bullpen to Victory Over Brewers in Series Opener

Ian Happ homered to help the Chicago Cubs secure a 3-1 win against the visiting Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of their three-game series on Monday evening.

Michael Busch contributed with two hits and an RBI, and Dansby Swanson also recorded two hits for the Cubs, who are now 2-2 since the All-Star break.

Chicago starter Javier Assad allowed one hit and no runs over 3 1/3 innings, though he struggled with control, walking six and striking out two.

The Cubs’ bullpen played a crucial role in the win. Drew Smyly (3-5), Tyson Miller, and Mark Leiter Jr. combined for 3 2/3 scoreless innings, and Hector Neris pitched the ninth for his 14th save of the season.

Brewers rookie right-hander Tobias Myers (6-4) took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) and six hits over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked two.

Willy Adames homered, and Garrett Mitchell had two hits for Milwaukee, which saw its three-game winning streak come to an end.

Assad found himself in a tight spot in the third inning, walking three consecutive batters with two outs. However, he managed to get out of the jam by inducing a groundout to short on a 3-2 pitch from Sal Frelick.

Miguel Amaya reached on an infield single to start the bottom of the third for the Cubs. Myers then tripped while making his delivery, resulting in a balk. After retiring the next two batters, Busch delivered a two-out RBI single to center, giving Chicago a 1-0 lead.

Assad was removed after issuing back-to-back walks with one out in the fourth inning. Smyly entered and immediately allowed a single to Mitchell, loading the bases. However, Brice Turang grounded into a force play at home, and William Contreras grounded out to third, leaving the bases loaded for the second straight inning.

Mike Tauchman singled in the fourth to cap an eight-pitch at-bat with one out. Swanson then hit a comebacker to Myers, but his throw to second went into center field, putting runners on the corners. After a walk loaded the bases, Myers bounced an 0-2 pitch that got past Contreras, allowing Tauchman to score on a close play, making it 2-0.

Happ extended the Cubs’ lead with a solo homer to left field to lead off the sixth inning, making it 3-0.

Adames homered off Porter Hodge to start the eighth inning, cutting the Cubs’ lead to 3-1. However, the Cubs’ bullpen held on to secure the win.