The Milwaukee Brewers faced a late-game collapse against the Chicago Cubs, resulting in an 8-2 defeat at American Family Field on June 27. The game saw the Cubs pull away in the sixth inning, largely due to issues within the Brewers’ bullpen, particularly from pitcher Chad Patrick.
Despite holding a 50-30 record and a 6.5-game lead in their division, the Brewers are grappling with bullpen inconsistencies beyond their top three relievers. This issue is particularly concerning as the team embarks on a demanding schedule of 18 games in 17 days.
Sixth-inning struggles for Patrick
Chad Patrick entered the game in the sixth inning, inheriting a 2-2 tie. After securing the first two outs, his outing quickly unraveled. He issued walks to Alex Bregman and Michael Busch, both after getting to two strikes. This was followed by an RBI single from Nico Hoerner, also with two strikes, which gave the Cubs a 3-2 lead.
The situation escalated further when Ian Happ hit a three-run home run off Patrick, extending the Cubs’ lead to 6-2. This home run, a 106.4 mph shot to right field, capped a four-run inning for Chicago. Patrick has now been scored upon in five of his last six appearances, with multiple runs allowed in four of those outings. His recent performance includes giving up 14 earned runs and five home runs over 9 2/3 innings after an initial strong start to his bullpen tenure.
Other relievers also faced difficulties. Grant Anderson allowed a run, and Joel Kuhnel gave up a solo home run to Michael Conforto in the ninth inning, contributing to the Cubs’ final score of 8-2. Manager Pat Murphy acknowledged prior to the game that the secondary relievers’ previous performance had influenced his decision to use Trevor Megill in a non-save situation in the series opener.
Early game highlights and offensive efforts
The Brewers initially took the lead in the first inning when Jackson Chourio hit a 411-foot home run to dead center field off Cubs pitcher David Peterson, who was making his debut for Chicago. This marked Chourio’s 11th home run of the season.
Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Jackson Chourio (11) rounds the base after hitting a home run against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at American Family Field. Mandatory Credit: Michael McLoone-Imagn Images | Michael McLoone-Imagn Images” width=”960″ height=”640″ />The Cubs responded in the fourth inning. After Kyle Harrison retired the first 10 batters he faced, Matt Shaw singled, and Seiya Suzuki followed with a two-run homer, his second in as many games, putting Chicago up 2-1. Suzuki’s blast traveled 361 feet to right field.
Milwaukee managed to tie the game in the fifth inning. Blake Perkins hit a double to the right-center gap and scored on an RBI single to left field by Sal Frelick, making the score 2-2. However, David Peterson then induced a double play from Cooper Pratt, ending the Brewers’ threat for a larger inning.
Despite the offensive efforts, the Brewers’ bats largely went quiet against the Cubs’ bullpen in the later innings, managing only five hits and one walk in total. Gary Sanchez and Joey Ortiz were among the few other baserunners early in the game.
Looking ahead for the Brewers
The Brewers’ ‘A’ bullpen, consisting of Aaron Ashby, Trevor Megill, and Abner Uribe, remains a reliable unit for manager Pat Murphy. However, the depth beyond these three is a growing concern. The potential return of a healthy Jared Koenig, who had a clean inning in his first appearance since early April, could offer some relief.
The team is expected to explore the market for additional relief pitchers in July to bolster their bullpen. The Brewers will look to secure a series win on Sunday, with Brandon Woodruff scheduled to start for Milwaukee at 1:10 p.m. CT.
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Source: eu.jsonline.com
Mason Reed
Sports reporter covering football, basketball and international competitions.