ATLANTA -- The Chicago Cubs lost 4-2 to the Atlanta Braves on Friday night. Here’s a quick look at the game.
How it happened: Eury Perez broke a 2-2 tie with a two-out bases-loaded single off Pedro Strop in the bottom of the eighth inning after Strop walked the previous two batters, one intentionally. Atlanta got on the board in the first inning after new catcher Kyle Schwarber threw a ball into center field on a steal attempt, allowing Nick Markakis to get to third base. Markakis promptly scored on a Kelly Johnson single.
The Cubs took the lead briefly in the third inning when Jorge Soler singled home two runs with a bases-loaded knock. But the Braves tied it in the bottom of the inning when Cameron Maybin’s two-out walk turned into a run after Markakis doubled him home. Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks lasted 6 2/3 innings, giving up just four hits. But two of the hits came with two outs to drive in runs. Schwarber went 3-for-4 at the plate.
What it means: After a very good stretch of appearances, Strop has given up runs in his past two outings and three of his past eight, but the offense is as much to blame for this loss. Kris Bryant struggled with men on base and the Cubs didn’t get to Braves starter Julio Teheran when they had their chances, mainly in the first inning. It’s a trend that started well before the All-Star break.
Hendricks’ 22 innings of scoreless pitching ended in the first, but he threw well enough to win. The two-out hits were killers, though.
Schwarber’s night: Schwarber made two errors in his first start behind the plate, one coming on a high throw in the first inning, the other on a catcher’s interference call. But he went 3-for-4 at the plate, making solid contact throughout the game.
Soriano improving: Joe Maddon received good reports on reliever Rafael Soriano, who struck out the side in his first inning at Triple-A Iowa on Thursday. Maddon said it may not take seven or eight appearances before Soriano is ready to be called up.
Hammel OK: Jason Hammel threw over the All-Star break as he recovers from a strained hamstring. He’ll throw again this weekend and is still on pace to make his next start on Tuesday in Cincinnati.
What’s next: Game 2 of the series takes place on Saturday night when Jon Lester (4-8, 3.59) takes on Manny Banuelos (1-0, 0.75).