MILWAUKEE — Kris Bryant left the game feeling a little woozy. Hector Rondon nearly squandered a three-run lead in the ninth inning. Joe Maddon got ejected.
The Chicago Cubs still departed Milwaukee on Sunday with a four-game sweep of the Brewers after an eventful 4-3 win.
The best part of all for the Cubs following their fifth straight win is they’re at least 10 games over .500 at 57-47 for first time since end of 2008 season, according to STATS.
"It’s good to get 10-plus. The goal then is to get (to) 15," Maddon said.
Spot-starter Clayton Richard (2-0) and the Cubs’ bullpen limited the Brewers until the ninth, when Rondon allowed the first two runners to reach base with his team leading 4-1.
Ryan Braun scored on a groundout with one out, and Hernan Perez drove in another run with a two-out single. Rondon then got pinch-hitter Logan Schafer to line out sharply to centre for his 16th save.
The Brewers have lost five straight and eight of their last nine games.
"You need that next hit to break it open and take a deep breath," manager Craig Counsell. "That’s how it often feels when you’re struggling offensively. It feels like that’s where we’re at right now."
The surging Cubs had a better day against Kyle Lohse (5-13), though they got a scare when Bryant got hurt.
The All-Star rookie left in the fifth after sliding headfirst into second and appearing to get tagged on the helmet by shortstop Jean Segura.
Bryant’s neck or upper back also appeared to bump into Segura’s leg. Bryant, who reached on an RBI single, was running after a throw to the plate was cut off.
Maddon said Bryant was a little dizzy and was lifted as a precaution. Bryant had tests and was to be reevaluated on Monday in Pittsburgh, where the Cubs open an important three-game series against the Pirates.
"I was going as hard as I can. Hustle, hustle, hustle to get in there," Bryant said. "I’m feeling better. We’ll see what it feels like tomorrow."
BIG RICHARD
Richard will be replaced in the rotation by right-hander Dan Haren, who was acquired at the trade deadline from Miami. The left-hander still had an afternoon to remember, lining an RBI double to left in the fourth just over the glove of Perez at third to give the Cubs a 3-1 lead.
On the mound, Richard allowed five hits and one run in six innings. Maddon said Richard would travel with the team to Pittsburgh while the Cubs figure out the roster.
STREAK SNAPPED
Anthony Rizzo drove in a run on a groundout in the first but had his streak of four straight games with a homer snapped. He went hitless in four at-bats.
OUTTA HERE
Maddon was ejected in the third for arguing a safe call on Adam Lind’s infield single confirmed on another replay review. It was his fourth ejection of the season.
"I thought the call was made purely on the fact they thought that Lind beat the throw to first base," Maddon said. "So, it’s my fault. It’s always my fault."
LOSING LOHSE
Lohse lasted 4 1-3 innings, giving up nine hits and four runs, including Addison Russell’s solo shot in the second. It was another tough outing in what has been a frustrating season for Lohse.
Asked he would stay in the rotation, Counsell said, "We have to discuss that in the next couple days."
TRAINER’S ROOM
Cubs: Maddon expects C Miguel Montero, who has been on the disabled list since July 12 with a sprained left thumb, to return soon. "I don’t think it’s going take very long for him to be OK," Maddon said.
Brewers: Counsell said that young LF Khris Davis should get regular plate appearances following the trades of outfielders Carlos Gomez and Gerardo Parra. Davis was hitting .196 with two homers and seven RBIs in 46 at-bats since coming off the disabled list on July 7. He missed about five weeks with a right knee injury.
UP NEXT
Cubs: Ace LHP Jon Lester (6-8) opens the Pirates series for the Cubs. Lester is coming off a 14-strikeout performance in last game, a 3-2 win on July 29 against Colorado.
Brewers: RHP Wily Peralta (2-5) makes his second start since coming off the DL for a left oblique injury when the San Diego Padres open a four-game series at Miller Park.
