Oct. 04--Cubs 3, Brewers 1
The Cubs took advantage of a hit batsman and two walks to score three runs in the top of the first inning Sunday to beat the Brewers 3-1. Dan Haren, who likely will retire after this season, allowed three hits in six innings. The Cubs need a loss by the Pirates to the Reds to earn home field advantage in the National League wild-card game Wednesday night.
At the plate:
Anthony Rizzo hit a two-run single in the first to increase his RBI total to 101. Kris Bryant entered the game with an 0-for-13 slump but reached base safely in each of his four at-bats and finished with 99 RBIs.
On the mound:
Haren kept the Brewers' aggressive batters off-balance with his split-finger fastball and curve. Haren retired the final nine batters he faced.
In the field:
Shane Peterson's drive sailed over the head of Chris Denorfia in left field for an RBI ground rule double in the third. Second baseman Starlin Castro was in the right spot after Adam Lind's grounder caromed off the glove of Rizzo at first for the final out in the third.
Key number:
4 -- Cubs left-handed hitters who have hit 30 home runs and drove in 100 runs in a season in franchise history.
The quote:
"There's not going to be anything new to put in there, not any new packages. We're not going to bring in a new offense. We're not going to blitz anymore. No 3-4 (defense). Just go play." -- Joe Maddon
Up next:
vs. Pirates (site TBD), 7:08, TBS
