Milwaukee – Ian Happ started to feel dim as he tried to send out a stinky ball of his left shin in the eighth inning Tuesday night. The Cubs outfielder chose to object to trying to stay because he knew the retreat to the tunnel was in his best interest.
“I don’t want to faint on the court,” Hap said. “That was as bad as me.”
At this big moment of the Cubs season, Happ's exit added fear to the Ballclub on an already frustrating night. The Northern Squash team was hit by red-strike rival Brewers (64-43) with a 9-3 loss – the loss gave Chicago (62-45) (62-45) two games in the National League Central Championship game.
The only good news after the loss – Milwaukee for the second time in a row – X-rays on Happ are negative for any structural damage. A problem on the injury list may still come, but a more serious setback will add another wrinkle as the CT trading deadline approaches Thursday at 5 p.m.
According to sources, Bears plans to promote Triple-A Iowa in the case of Happ to boost catcher Moisés Ballesteros (their second-latest and MLB Pipeline's overall prospects). The team did not confirm the move, which will be held before Wednesday afternoon race.
The Cubs players have performed well throughout the season to keep their focus on the mantra of the game at hand without being attracted by potential distractions. However, there is no fact that this is a critical period in the 162 game calendars.
“The group has matured every part of the year,” said Bears second baseman Nico Hoerner, “ [in mind]and stay every day. Of course, this series is a big deal – playing another top team in our department.
“The deadline does bring some weight at times. I don't think it affects anything on the scene, but it's a unique time this season. Luckily, we play these guys again.”
The Cubs have been ranked No. 1 in the division for most of the season, but have now slipped with a 1 1/2 lead for the first time since March 30. On June 17, after winning the winemakers at home, the North Siders established a 6 1/2 lead in the Central.
After the rain on June 18, the winemakers beat the Cubs 8-7 at Wrigley Stadium a day later. Milwaukee has beaten a major league-leading 25-8 record since winning on June 19. Within the same range, Chicago scored 17-17. Following this series, competitors will play a four-day match with the Wrigley from August 18 to 21.
“There are a lot of baseball games, but it’s a good team,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said. “We know they're going to win a lot of games, which will challenge us to win a lot of games. Usually, this kind of nature's thing comes down to the last week of the season.”
Tuesday's losses were out of place for the Cubs team.
Chicago has been one of the most important defensive units in this year's Grand Slam, ranking second in defensive scores (57) in the game and third in the game above average (19). The Cubs made three mistakes, including the missed by Hoerner and midfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong.
“I don't think you're going to play again this year where Pete and I both put the ball off,” Hoerner said. “You just keep going. Going to the next one. It doesn't make it easier today, but we're ready.”
The Bears right-wing Colin Rea (helped to stabilize the steady spin through injury setbacks on other weapons), lasted only four innings. The lineup has been one of the top major league baseball (MLB) teams this season, ending 12-nights of 12 shots with the runners’ scoring position. Senior reliefist Ryan surrendered the Grand Slam to Andrew Vaughn in sixth place, allowing the brewer to quit.
Now, the Cubs’ goal on the field is to return to the recipe that ranked No. 1 in the division for most of the season. The front desk aims to use Thursday’s deadline to strengthen the group for the next two months.
“It's fun to have games that make a lot of sense and have high stakes,” Hoerner said. “You're doing a great job in the atmosphere and playing against another strong team in your department. We've been pretty good over the last two days. But these opportunities are the opportunities we all look forward to and we plan to get it here as soon as possible.”