Hendricks shows growth by adjusting in-game

CHICAGO — A year ago, Kyle Hendricks would have given up two runs in the second inning and most likely would have struggled to get back on track. On Sunday, the Cubs right-hander showed how far he’s come as a pitcher, even if he didn’t get the win.

A leading National League Cy Young Award candidate, Hendricks took the loss in the Cubs’ 3-1 setback to the Brewers at Wrigley Field. It was the 21st straight start in which the right-hander has given up three or fewer earned runs, the longest stretch by a Major League pitcher this year. He was charged with two runs over six innings, and his ERA is now 2.06, still best in the Majors.

Hendricks’ performances this year are a perfect example of why Cy Young voters need to look at more than a pitcher’s record, Cubs manager Joe Maddon said.

“Here’s a guy who we have not supported run-wise a lot this year,” Maddon said. “He definitely pitched well enough to win. It’s just unfortunate. He didn’t have his best stuff, but nine punchouts and two runs over six innings is a pretty good day.”

At Wrigley, Hendricks is 9-2 with a 1.32 ERA in 14 …

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