Craig Counsell
The Milwaukee Brewers failed to protect a 1-0 lead in the ninth inning and fell to the Chicago Cubs 2-1 in 13-innings.
Brewers closer Jeremy Jeffress failed to hold a lead for the first time this season, giving up Addison Russell’s run-scoring infield ground out to tie the game 1-1 and force extra innings.
The Brewers still had plenty of opportunities to make amends. They had the bases loaded with nobody out in the 12th inning but couldn’t score the game winner. Then, after trailing 2-1 in the 13th, they had one last chance with the tying run reaching third base with only one out, Again, the Cubs would close the door.
In the top half of the 13th, the Cubs were out of position players, so reliever Travis Wood hit for himself and added a bases-loaded walk to help the Cubs score the eventual game winning run.
The Brewers walked catcher Miguel Montero intentionally to get to Wood. Wood is a career .181 hitter with nine home runs as a pitcher, but the Brewers still liked that matchup instead of facing Montero. Carlos Torres walked Wood, sending the Cubs on their way.
Neither team had much luck at the plate with plenty of opportunities. The two teams combined to go one for 25 with runners in scoring position for the game.
The Brewers inability to convert saw another solid outing by starter Jimmy Nelson go to waste. Nelson held the Cubs without a run for 7 1/3 innings, allowing just five hits. Nelson got plenty of defensive help from his infield, which turned three double plays. He saw his ERA drop to 3.07 for the season.
The two teams split the first two games of the series and will play the rubber match of the series this afternoon at Miller Park.
AUDIO: Craig Counsell on failing to score with bases loaded in the 12th :15