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Cubs nipped by Crew, but close on clinch
- Updated: September 9, 2016
MILWAUKEE — The Cubs’ offense stalled in the first inning Wednesday because of Matt Garza and was stymied in the ninth by the Brewers’ Keon Broxton, but they were able to move a step closer to clinching the National League Central.
Despite losing, 2-1, to the Brewers at Miller Park, the Cubs’ magic number dropped to 8, because the Cardinals lost to the Pirates on Wednesday and again on Thursday, when the North Siders were off.
“I think it’s inevitable,” Chicago’s Dexter Fowler said of securing the division. “I don’t think anybody is thinking about that. We’re just taking it day by day.”
One more hit in the first inning might have changed Wednesday’s game. The Cubs loaded the bases with one out against Garza, but he got Addison Russell to hit a grounder to first baseman Chris Carter, who threw home to get Kris Bryant. Chris Coghlan then grounded out to end the inning.
“They made a nice play,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Carter’s play. “If we get a couple right there and get it rolling, it would’ve been different for Garza tonight, and we didn’t.”
Anthony Rizzo tied the game with a solo home run with two outs …
