Tuesday, August 27, 2002
Brewers 2, Cubs 1
The Associated Press
MILWAUKEE — Ben Sheets pitched into the ninth inning to beat the Cubs for the fifth straight time, and Jorge Fabregas hit a two-run double for his first hit with Milwaukee as the Brewers ended a five-game losing streak with a 2-1 victory over Chicago on Monday night.
“It's a different atmosphere out there, always a little something extra against the Cubs,” said Sheets, who improved to 5-0 against the Cubs in his brief career.
Sheets (8-15) gave up six hits, struck out eight and walked one. The only run he allowed came in the eighth on a leadoff double by Alex Gonzalez and RBI single by pinch-hitter Chris Stynes.
“Ben was tremendous,” Fabregas said. “He had everything working, just an outstanding performance.”
Sheets also benefited by two fine defensive plays that were turned into double plays. Sheets left after walking Bill Mueller to lead off the ninth inning. Mike DeJean got three outs for his 21st save in 24 chances.
“Ben had great command tonight,” Milwaukee manager Jerry Royster said. “He had command of his fastball and was effective inside.”
The Brewers, who have the worst record in the National League at 45-85, have won eight of 10 against the Cubs this season.
The Cubs, playing without Sammy Sosa (strained muscle in neck) for the second straight day, have scored eight runs in their last six games.
“It's tougher on the hitters than it is on us (pitchers),” rookie starter Mark Prior said. “They are used to producing. They have careers with a lot of RBI and home runs. It's tough on everybody right now.”
Fabregas ended a 0-for-23 slump — 0-for-8 with the Angels and 0-for-15 since being acquired by the Brewers on July 30 — with a double to the left-field corner in the second inning for a 2-0 lead against Prior (6-5).
Jose Hernandez walked with two outs and Mark Loretta singled before Fabregas, the No. 8 hitter, provided Sheets with all the runs he needed.
“I knew I'd get a hit sooner or later,” Fabregas said. “Luckily, I got the big hit tonight.”
Prior allowed only two runs and three hits in seven innings. He struck out six and walked two. After the double by Fabregas, Prior gave up only an infield single in the sixth to Richie Sexson before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth.
“We wasted a good pitching performance,” Chicago manager Bruce Kimm said. “We got great pitching from Prior and (Kyle) Farnsworth. It's a shame ... two runs. We should have beat that club tonight.”
Notes: Milwaukee CF Alex Sanchez turned 26 Monday. ... After trading Jeff Fassero (age 39) and Flash Gordon (34), the Cubs reduced the average age of their pitching staff to just under 26.5 years. ... Chicago RHP Alan Benes makes his second start since 1997 when he pitches Tuesday in Milwaukee. ... The Cubs replaced Fassero on their roster by recalling 2B Bobby Hill from Triple-A Iowa.
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Brewers 2, Cubs 1
