Cubs stay upbeat despite dropping series

MILWAUKEE — The Cubs aren’t in panic mode Thursday after losing two of three to the Brewers, and five of their last eight games overall.

“We’re not down, we’re not up — we’re just going to go play tomorrow,” Chicago’s Anthony Rizzo said after a 5-3 loss to Milwaukee in which the offense stalled.

During the Cubs’ red-hot start, their best since the 1907 season, they have led the Major Leagues in run differential, and now have outscored opponents, 221-115. The large cushion has helped the starting pitchers, who began the day with the best ERA in the National League. But in three games prior to Thursday, the Cubs had not scored while the starting pitcher was in the game.

Dexter Fowler tried to reverse that trend with a leadoff home run, hitting Junior Guerra’s second pitch over the right-field wall. But Guerra recovered and struck out a career-high 11 batters.

“It’s disappointing to come in here and lose two of three,” said Chicago starter Jason Hammel, who lost his first game …

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