Matt Marton/AP
Rookie Javier Assad convinced Cubs manager David Ross to pitch the eighth inning Saturday, based on his perfect seventh following a dominant performance in the World Baseball Classic for his native Mexico last month.
Even with more experienced relievers rested and available, Ross stuck with Assad until it was too late, as evidenced by the first three batters that reached base and scored to transform a one-run lead into a 3-1 loss to the rival Brewers before 31,363 chilled fans at Wrigley Field.