Chicago Cubs Score and Recap (8/13/20): Cubs 4, Brewers 2 – Darvish Dismantles Brewers in Cubs Win
The Cubs began a new series with Milwaukee Thursday, with the opening result the same as the last two games in Cleveland. Yu Darvish had a dominating start and Chicago picked up win number 13.
Nico Hoerner led off the bottom of the 1st with a ringing double against Brett Anderson. Hoerner scored on a Javy Báez grounder, then a solo homer from Kyle Schwarber doubled the lead in the 2nd.
Darvish was on his game from the start Thursday, piling up strikeouts and keeping the Brewers hitless early. Ian Happ doubled and David Bote singled to drive in a pair of runs in the 6th.
Justin Smoak broke up the no-hitter and the shutout with a homer in the 7th for Darvish’s only blemish. He finished strong with his 11th strikeout, redeeming his earlier messy effort against the Brewers.
Smoak knocked in another run against Rowan Wick in the 9th, but the big Canadian closed out the 4-2 win. (Box score)
Why the Cubs Won
Darvish dazzled against a weakened Brewers lineup and the bullpen was stable enough to close it out.
Key Moment
The two scores in the 6th inning were critical insurance runs for the Cubs. Otherwise, the teams may have been placing free runners at second base around now.
Stats That Matter
- Darvish is very much continuing his 2019 second half: 7 IP, 1 R, 1 H, 11 K, 2 BB.
- Hoerner had a double and a walk Thursday.
- Happ stays red hot with two hits and a walk on the evening.
Bottom Line
The Cubs continue to win and Darvish continues to shove on the mound.
On Deck
Game two of the series is Friday at 7:15pm CT. Tyler Chatwood looks for a bounceback start against Brandon Woodruff in a game broadcast on MLB Network (out of market), Marquee, and 670 The Score.
