The Cubs put up a lackluster effort last night in the series opener against the Brewers, lowlighted by the four runs allowed by Jameson Taillon in the opening frame. That brought the Cubs to an NL-worst 31 runs allowed in the 1st inning since the All-Star break, with Taillon and Smyly responsible for nine apiece. Two runs aren’t enough to win most nights, but it’s never good when you spot the other team twice that number before even getting a chance to bat.
Justin Steele is going to need to be on his game tonight for the Cubs to even this series and close the NL Central gap to four games.