Aug. 22--Summary
The Cubs have taken the season series from the Braves after Friday's 5-3 win at Wrigley Field. The Cubs took two out of three from the Braves last month in Atlanta, as well as the first two games of this series in Chicago.
On the mound
Right-hander Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 3.97) tried to rebound from a shaky performance in his last outing when he tossed a season-low 3 1/3 innings in the Cubs' 6-5 win over the White Sox. He gave up five runs on eight hits and got a no-decision then.
On Friday, Hendricks lasted five innings, allowing 3 runs on seven hits. He walked one and fanned seven.
The Braves started righthander Shelby Miller, who went 6 1/3 innings, allowing five runs (3 earned) on six hits.
At the plate
The Cubs have hit 42 home runs since the All-Star break, best in the National League.
The Braves scored a run on a fielder's choice grounder in the first inning before the Cubs made it 1-1 on a home run into the left-field basket by Chris Coghlan. The Braves scored twice in the fourth inning on a double by Nick Markakis.
The Cubs pulled to within 3-2 in the fifth inning following an errant throw by third baseman Pedro Ciriaco on a potential double-play ball. The Cubs added two runs in the sixth and one in the seventh.
In the field
Kris Bryant returned to the starting lineup at third base. Nursing a sore foot after fouling a ball off it two games ago, Bryant was lifted during the sixth inning of Thursday night's contest since the Cubs enjoyed a big lead.
Braves star shortstop Andrelton Simmons made an error on a routine grounder by pinch-hitter Starlin Castro in the seventh inning. The Cubs made the Braves pay when Anthony Rizzo then hit an RBI single to give the Cubs a 5-3 lead.
The number
7: The Cubs scored at least seven runs in each of their previous four games.
The quote
"I also believe that how I react to the moment is going to be important also. They see that I am consistent in my behavior and I expect the same from them."- Cubs manager Joe Maddon on how his rookies handle pressure situations.
Up next
Vs. Braves, 3:05 p.m., Saturday ABC-7
Fred Mitchell
