ATLANTA — Finally, the Cubs got some good relief pitching, six innings’ worth of two-hit, one-run (unearned) ball with eight strikeouts.
Unfortunately, because Marcus Stroman couldn’t get past the second inning and once again the Cubs forgot how to play defense, they lost 5-3 to the Braves. The series sweep put them on the brink of staying home this October.
The Cubs scored first in this game. They scored first in all three games of this series, for all the good it did. Mike Tauchman drew a leadoff walk, stole second and advanced to third on an infield out.