Aug. 17--The Sox snapped the Cubs' nine-game winning streak with a 3-1 victory Sunday in front of 39,475 fans at U.S. Cellular Field. Chris Sale was dominant, striking out 15 in seven innings, as he improved to 11-7 on the season. Still, the Cubs have won 15 of their last 17 and are 18 games above .500.
On the mound
Sale surpassed 200 strikeouts for the third straight season, joining Ed Walsh as the only Sox pitchers to do so. Sale also fanned 10-plus batters for the 29th time in his career and the 11th time this season. Closer David Robertson earned his 24th save. Cubs starter Dan Haren lasted 42/3 innings, allowing three home runs among his seven hits.
At the plate
Jose Abreu, Alexei Ramirez and Melky Cabrera hit solo homers for the Sox. Jorge Soler homered off Robertson in the ninth. Dexter Fowler's one-out single in the sixth ended Sale's no-hit bid. Kris Bryant had his 12-game hitting streak snapped, striking out three times and flying out to right.
In the field
Cubs third baseman Jonathan Hererra made a diving stop down the line and threw to first to retire Tyler Flowers in the fourth inning. The two teams combined for six errors in the last two games.
Key at-bats
Bryant struck out with runners on first and second in the sixth. After Anthony Rizzo was hit by a pitch to load the bases, Sale struck out Soler to end the threat.
Key number
18 -- Strikeouts by Cubs batters, the third time that has happened this season.
The quote
"He went through a period where he had the strikeout streak going on. That can probably get to you somewhat, and have that be a little bit too much of a focus instead of pitching. He got over that and he rebooted." -- Sox manager Robin Ventura on Sale's recent inconsistency before Sunday.
The quote II
"He's just scratching the surface. He's outstanding. He's been outstanding for a number of years. And he's going to keep getting better. It's not just about the fastball. It's not just about the curve. His changeup is outstanding." -- Cubs manager Joe Maddon on Sale.
