Chicago Cubs tops Atlanta Braves 2-0
Game Summary
Chicago Cubs defeated Atlanta Braves 2-0.
A classic pitchers' duel: 23 combined strikeouts between the two staffs.
Key Players
Ian Happ led Chicago Cubs's offense, going 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI. Chicago Cubs starter Ben Brown threw 4.0 IP, 0 ER, 7 K and anchored the pitching staff.
Drake Baldwin led Atlanta Braves's offense, going 1-for-4. Atlanta Braves reliever Aaron Bummer threw 1.1 IP, 0 ER, 1 K and anchored the pitching staff.
Pitching Report
Chicago Cubs starter Ben Brown: 4.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 7 K, 1 BB (65 pitches). Failed to complete five innings, leaving extra burden on the bullpen. The bullpen (4 pitchers) was scoreless over 5.0 IP with 6 K — a flawless relief effort.
Atlanta Braves starter Chris Sale: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 8 K, 2 BB (100 pitches). Quality start. K/IP of 1.33 reflects dominant strikeout stuff. Bullpen: 3.0 IP, 1 ER, 2 K (ERA 3.00).
Hitting Analysis
Chicago Cubs: 6 H, 2 RBI (team AVG 0.182). Includes 1 HR.
Multi-hit games: Ian Happ (2-for-3, 1 HR).
Cleanup cold: Seiya Suzuki (0-for-4), Matt Shaw (0-for-4). The silence from the heart of the order proved costly.
Atlanta Braves: 5 H, 0 RBI (team AVG 0.156).
Turning Points
Chicago Cubs's pitching staff threw a shutout, blanking Atlanta Braves's lineup.