CHICAGO -- The Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 9-2 on Thursday afternoon, finishing off a sweep of the three-game series. Here's a quick look at the game.
How it happened: After the teams exchanged single runs in the second and third innings, the Cubs took the lead for good on a trio of long balls in the fifth. Dexter Fowler went deep with a man on, then Kyle Schwarber and Anthony Rizzo hit solo shots. The Brewers got one back in the sixth when Hernan Perez drove in Elian Herrera with a run-scoring single, but that's as close as the Brewers would come. Schwarber hit his second homer of the game and eighth of the season with a man on in the seventh. Cubs starter Jon Lester lasted six innings, giving up seven hits and five stolen bases while striking out 10. He also threw a ball away on a pick-off attempt.
What it means: It was only a matter of time before the Cubs' power showed up on a rare offense-friendly day. The wind was blowing out at a brisk pace, so when Fowler, Schwarber and Rizzo got balls up in the air, they were no-doubters -- though the umpires needed to review Fowler's, which bounced back into the field of play. Schwarber’s second home run was a blast out to left. He hasn’t stopped hitting and getting on base (he also drew a walk) since being recalled at the All-Star break. Chris Denorfia also went deep in the eighth, belting a two-run shot. It's also about the time the team took off at the plate.
As long as the Cubs win, it doesn’t matter how many bases the opposition steals off Lester, but it could be a concern in the playoffs. It’s something to keep an eye on, as he leads the league in stolen bases given up with 35.
The Cubs improved to 65-48, having won their seventh consecutive game and 13th of 14. Seven of those wins have come against the Brewers. They're within a game of the Pittsburgh Pirates for second place in the NL Central.
Lester throws to first: For just the third time this season -- and first since April -- Lester attempted a pick-off throw to first base. It sailed past Anthony Rizzo, allowing Jean Segura to reach second. Segura promptly stole third before scoring. Ryan Braun stole second and third in the inning as well, while Khris Davis swiped second base a few moments later. In all, the Brewers stole five bases off Lester, four in the third inning. Two of his three pick-off attempts this season have resulted in errors.
More Lester: Lester became the first Cubs lefty to strike out 10 or more batters in four starts in one season.
Fifth inning HRs: The Cubs hit three home runs in one inning for the first time since Aug. 29, 2011 against the San Francisco Giants. It was the first time they hit three in an inning at home since June 2008 against the White Sox.
What’s next: The Cubs head to the South Side of Chicago to take on the White Sox over the weekend. Kyle Hendricks (6-5, 3.73) faces Jeff Samardzija (8-7, 4.62) in Game 1 on Friday.