Chicago Sports Weekly Report: Cubs slump against Marlins; White Sox see bit of life

"UNB! Network" Chicago Sports Report

CHICAGO -- Yes, the Chicago Cubs are still leading the NL Central at 50-26.

They beat the Cincinnati Reds 11-8 on Monday and beat them 7-2 on Tuesday, and the series finale is Wednesday, where they will start Kyle Hendricks on the mound, who has a 2.06 ERA in his last seven starts, to help the Cubs earn the series sweep against the Reds.

That game begins at 11:35am CT.

But the Cubs went into this series against the Reds coming off a 3-1 series loss to the Miami Marlins.

They lost to the Marlins 4-2 on June 23, then beat them on June 24, but then lost the next two against the Marlins, 9-6 on June 25 and 6-1 on June 26.

Obviously the Cubs have rebounded with these two wins against the Reds, and winning on Wednesday and earning the series sweep would definitely be a fantastic rebound.

But let's look at the White Sox, where in past Chicago Sports Weekly Report's we've said have been struggling.

They sit fourth in the AL Central at 38-39.

On Tuesday, they lost their series opener to the Minnesota Twins 4-0, but they did win their recent series against the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1.

They beat Toronto 3-2 on June 24, but lost to them 10-8 on June 25, but rebounded on June 26 and beat the Blue Jays 5-2.

Melky Cabrera currently leads the White Sox in batting average (.294), followed by Adam Eaton (.277) and Jose Abreu (.263).

Todd Frazier as of now leads the White a Sox in RBIs (49), followed by Jose Abreu (47) and Melky Cabrera (39).

The White Sox sit behind the Detroit Tigers (39-38), the Kansas City Royals (40-36) and the Cleveland Indians (46-30) in the division standinfs.

The White Sox play game two of their current series against the Twins on Wednesday night at 7:10pm CT.

Sale first to 12 wins, White Sox beat Red Sox 3-1

BOSTON (AP) — Tim Anderson gave Chicago White Sox ace Chris Sale the earliest lead possible, and Sale used it to become the majors' first 12-game winner.

Sale tied his season high with nine strikeouts, Anderson led off the game with his first career homer and the White Sox beat the Boston Red Sox 3-1 on Tuesday night.

"I felt really good out there. I had good command and just confidence, too," Sale said.

That confidence was evident as Sale (12-2) held Boston to four hits over seven innings. He got to a dozen wins before the season's midpoint.

Chicago led the whole way after Anderson homered to left on the first pitch from Clay Buchholz (3-7) in the right-hander's return to Boston's rotation after spending about a month in the bullpen.

Buchholz recovered after the rocky start and pitched pretty well, just not nearly as well as Sale.

"He was great. I think this is one of his better ones," Chicago manager Robin Ventura said of Sale. "He navigated it very well tonight. I think he was throwing strikes, a great changeup in some tough spots and got a strikeout when he needed it, too."

Todd Frazier hit his 20th homer and David Robertson got his 18th save for the White Sox, who won consecutive games for just the second time in June.

Boston sputtered against Sale and the relievers that followed. The Red Sox left eight runners on base and were 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position.

"He kept everybody off balance, mixed up pitches throughout counts and did what he does a lot of times," said Mookie Betts, who drove in Boston's only run.

Sale also had a 2-0 lead before even throwing a pitch. Adam Eaton doubled on Buchholz's second pitch and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Melky Cabrera.

"Before I even stepped on the field we're sitting there 2-0," Sale said. "The way T.A. started that game off, it just gives you a spark, gives you a little bit more of a jolt."

Sale's biggest challenge came after Travis Shaw and Sandy Leon started the third inning with back-to-back singles. Shaw scored on a sacrifice fly by Betts, and the Red Sox loaded the bases with two outs before Sale struck out Hanley Ramirez swinging.

"I wasn't really focused on this or that," Sale said. "I know that these guys are a good hitting team, especially at their house. So I was just trying to keep the ball down and not let things get too far out of hand."

BIG HITTER

Anderson has five hits in eight games since the White Sox moved him to the top of the order on June 13. He did it again Tuesday with a shot that ended up in the seats above the Green Monster, not far from where Frazier's homer landed in the fourth to put Chicago up 3-1.

"I kind of felt like he was going first-pitch fastball, so I was just on it and made sure I didn't miss it," Anderson said. "It was a great feeling to get my first one out of the way."

BUCHHOLZ RECOVERS

Buchholz allowed only one run after Chicago's two-run first inning. He struck out five and threw only 78 pitches in five innings. He admitted not relishing the assignment to the bullpen, but thought maybe a step back would help him stay in a rotation very much in need of quality starters.

"Overall I felt pretty good," Buchholz said. "They've got a good lineup. It's a tough lineup to pitch to, especially when you're going up against Chris Sale."

TRAINER'S ROOM

White Sox: They placed RHP Zach Putnam on the 15-day disabled list with inflammation of the ulnar nerve in his right elbow. ... RHP Chris Beck was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte.

Red Sox: DH David Ortiz was not in the starting lineup, almost getting the night off before pinch hitting in the ninth and drawing a walk. Ramirez was the DH and struck out three times.

UP NEXT

White Sox: LHP Jose Quintana (5-7, 2.63) has gone 0-6 with one no decision over his last seven starts.

Red Sox: LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (1-2, 6.97), who was moved back a day in the rotation for an extra bullpen session, will start his fifth game of the season.

Carpenter, Holliday homer as Cardinals beat Cubs 4-3

CHICAGO (AP) — Adam Wainwright called the most recent homestand a reality check for St. Louis. He's not quite ready to call this a turning point for the Cardinals.

Matt Carpenter and Matt Holliday homered to back Wainwright, and St. Louis beat the Chicago Cubs 4-3 on Tuesday night.

The Cardinals won their second straight game after going 0-5 on their first winless homestand of at least two series since 1983.

"I think a reality check set in where we're going to have to learn how to win and play in those close games better," Wainwright said. "When we come in here to this great city and this great team, we're going to have to play some tough games, some close games, and you're going to have to learn how to win those games."

The Cardinals made it consecutive one-run wins over the Cubs after three straight one-run losses to Texas. And while Wainwright called it an "overstatement" to "say this is a statement series," there are certainly some promising signs coming from St. Louis.

Carpenter and Holliday connected against Jason Hammel (7-3) in a three-run third inning that made it 4-1. Wainwright (6-4) pitched into the seventh and improved to 10-1 in 21 games — 16 starts — at Wrigley Field.

The Cardinals put themselves in position to sweep their first trip to Chicago since last year's NL Division Series, though it won't be easy with the major league-leading Cubs sending reigning NL Cy Young Award winner Jake Arrieta to the mound.

"They're really, truly buying into the idea that we've got to look like the kind of team that we should do that," manager Mike Matheny said. "When we do that, we'll throw ourselves in the ring with anybody."

Chris Coghlan scored two runs for Chicago, whose longest losing streak is three games. The only other time the Cubs dropped two straight at home was when San Diego swept a doubleheader on May 11. But they came up short in this one, hitting into three double plays and going 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position.

"I have no complaints about the last two nights — zero," manager Joe Maddon said. "We played well. We played good baseball."

Wainwright allowed three runs and six hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Chicago's Addison Russell doubled off the wall in left leading off the seventh. Jonathan Broxton came in with two outs and walked Coghlan, putting runners on first and third, but first baseman Brandon Moss made a diving stop on Jason Heyward's grounder to end the threat.

Kevin Siegrist worked the eighth, and Trevor Rosenthal handled the ninth for his 14th save in 16 chances. Shaky in Monday's win, he gave up a one-out single to Russell and walked Javier Baez with two outs before pinch-hitter Matt Szczur grounded into a force play to end the game.

Hammel went 5 2/3 innings, allowing four runs and six hits.

STRETCH TO START

The Cubs optioned right-hander Adam Warren to Triple-A Iowa to prepare him for a major league start. The Cubs plan to have him start two minor-league games and make one for them before the All-Star break. Warren might make another start after that.

Chicago will have played 24 consecutive days before the break. Stretching Warren will give the starters an extra day of rest.

HE SAID IT

Moss on the Cardinals: "We're playing good baseball. We didn't play terrible baseball at home, we just made a couple mistakes and lost some heartbreakers."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Cardinals: C Brayan Pena (left knee surgery) was hitting .179 through 11 minor league games. His rehab stint will expire next week.

Cubs: The Cubs placed LHP Clayton Richard on the 15-day DL because of a blister on his left middle finger.

UP NEXT

The Cubs send Arrieta (11-1, 1.74 ERA) to the mound while the Cardinals go with RHP Michael Wacha (2-7, 4.56) in the finale of the three-game series. Arrieta got the win at St. Louis on May 25 despite allowing a season-high four runs over five innings. Wacha is 0-7 in his last 10 starts.

Chicago Sports Weekly Report: Cubs continue to rock, White Sox still in slump

CHICAGO – Recently in 2016, we've been seeing major U.S. cities break their professional sports championship droughts.

We saw Pittsburgh break their dry spell with the Penguins winning the NHL's Stanley Cup, and on Sunday we saw the Cleveland Cavaliers break Cleveland's championship drought.

Chicago, however, is not in a drought, as the NHL's Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup three times recently, in 2010, 2013, and 2015.

But the MLB's Chicago Cubs are in a dry spell of their own, having not won the MLB's World Series since 1908.

But as we have mentioned in previous versions of the Chicago Sports Weekly Report, the Cubs are performing so well right now that they may be in prime position to finally win that World Series that their fans have been waiting for generations to see.

The Cubs are 47-20 and are currently leading the NL Central division.

On Sunday, in Wilson Contreras' first MLB at-bat with the Cubs, he crushed a ball that went to become a two-run homer in the Cubs' 10-5 win over the Pirates to sweep the series.

"It's incredible," Contreras said. "I don't have the words to explain how happy I am."

A fan even returned that two-run homer ball to Contreras, which he found in his locker.


"It's a dream come true," he said.

The story of Contreras on Sunday shows the positivity of the Cubs at this point in the season. But the MLB's other Chicago franchise is not having anywhere near as much luck as the Cubs.

The Chicago White Sox are sitting fourth in the AL Central with a record of 33-36, three games below .500, at .478.

The White Sox trail the Indians by 5 1/2 games in the division. The Indians beat the White Sox 3-2 on Sunday.

"We were trying everything," said manager Robin Ventura after Sunday's loss. "It's a tough one to lose."

Nationals outlast Cubs in 12 innings, 5-4

WASHINGTON (AP) — First, Stephen Strasburg and Jason Hammel dueled to scintillating draw. Then, the Washington Nationals and Chicago Cubs engaged in a back-and-forth drama that stretched into extra innings.

Afterward, both sides agreed: It was a game better suited for late fall than the middle of June.

Jayson Werth singled in the winning run with two outs in the 12th inning, giving the Nationals a 5-4 victory Wednesday before a sellout crowd of 42,000, largest of the season in Washington.

The Nationals won two of three in this showdown between the NL East and NL Central leaders.

"It kind of had a playoff feel, the way it was fought and played, especially at the end," Chicago's Anthony Rizzo said. "It was a fun game, a crazy game, the kind you see in October."

Facing Adam Warren, Werth hit a liner off the wall in center field to score Michael Taylor, who hit an RBI single against Trevor Cahill (0-2) earlier in the inning.

"It was awesome," Taylor said. "It's the kind of game you want to part of."

Addison Russell had given the Cubs the lead in the 12th with a run-scoring single off Yusmeiro Petit (2-0).

"They have a good team. We have a good team," Werth said. "It was a battle, a good series."

Strasburg gave up one run in seven innings for the Nationals, and Hammel did the same for Chicago. After they departed, both teams received shoddy bullpen work.

Pinch-hitter Stephen Drew gave Washington a 2-1 lead with a homer in the eighth off Pedro Strop. It was the Nationals' club-record ninth pinch-hit home run of the season, the third by Drew.

With closer Jonathan Papelbon on the disabled list, Washington manager Dusty Baker summoned Matt Belisle to protect the lead in the ninth. Belisle promptly gave up a leadoff double to Kris Bryant, and Baker turned to Oliver Perez to end it.

Rizzo greeted the left-hander with a two-run shot to right.

Cubs closer Hector Rondon added his name to the list of ineffective relievers in the bottom half. He issued a leadoff walk to Bryce Harper and an RBI single to Wilson Ramos.

"The two best teams in baseball going at it, exchanging punches," Hammel said. "It was exciting. We had our chances to do it and they answered back."

He added: "Just a hard-played series on both sides. An October preview, maybe."

Hammel remained 9-0 lifetime against the Nationals after giving up five hits, striking out four and walking nine. He ended his outing by getting Anthony Rendon to ground out with a runner on third.

Strasburg struck out eight, allowing six hits and a walk. He wasn't involved in the decision, so he's 10-0 with a 2.90 ERA after 14 starts this season.

"Fastball command got better as the game went on," the right-hander said.

Ben Zobrist opened the game by hitting a 1-2 pitch from Strasburg over the wall in right. Jason Heyward followed with a double and was cut down trying to steal third.

Chicago didn't put another runner in scoring position until the seventh, when Albert Almora Jr. doubled with one out.

The Nationals got a first-inning run when Ben Revere singled and scored on a wild pitch. After Ramos led off the Washington second with a single, Hammel retired 13 straight.

WEST COAST DISTRACTIONS

The Nationals face San Diego and the Dodgers on the road over the next seven days, a journey that will test the team's focus. "I've seen the West Coast destroy teams," Nationals manager Dusty Baker said. "Everybody has friends, relatives, couple fleas, couple parasites. It's no joke, going to the coast."

UP NEXT

Cubs: After taking Thursday off, Chicago sends Jake Arrieta (10-1, 1.86 ERA) to the mound Friday afternoon against the Pirates at Wrigley Field.

Nationals: Tanner Roark (5-4, 2.93) starts Thursday night to launch a four-game series against San Diego. Roark's lone complete game in the majors came against the Padres.

Sale wins MLB-best 11th as White Sox beat Tigers, 5-3

CHICAGO (AP) — Chris Sale was dominant for much of Wednesday night, though the left-hander believes the key to his success was how he handled the one stretch where he struggled.

Sale allowed three runs in seven innings to become the first 11-game winner in the majors, leading the Chicago White Sox to a 5-3 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

He survived a shaky third inning in which he allowed all three runs and five of the six hits he surrendered.

"I tried to keep my emotions in check. There was a lot of ballgame left," said Sale, who was 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA in his previous four starts. "Sometimes you get out there and get frustrated.

"That's a hard enough team that can beat you by themselves. You don't want to help them out. So just focus and try to get back on."

Sale (11-2) allowed just two baserunners in his final four innings. He threw a season-high 119 pitches, giving a tired Chicago bullpen much-needed rest.

Nate Jones worked a perfect eighth inning and David Robertson pitched the ninth for his 16th save in 18 chances.

Rookie Tim Anderson, who was moved into the leadoff spot on Monday, had three hits and three runs scored, and Todd Frazier drove in the go-ahead run as Chicago won two of three in the series between AL Central rivals.

Jose Iglesias had a two-run home run for the Tigers. Mike Pelfrey (1-7) allowed four runs in six innings.

"He had a couple of leadoff walks, but he pitched well, though," Tigers manager Brad Ausmus said. "His velocity was good. He got ground balls, got a couple of double plays. He certainly kept us in the game and gave us a chance to win."

After the potent Detroit offense battered Chicago starters early and often in the first two games of the series, Sale looked to restore order and retired the first six batters as the White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly by Melky Cabrera.

But then the Tigers started the third with four straight hits, including Iglesias' homer, to take a 2-1 lead. The advantage grew to 3-1 later in the inning on a two-out, run-scoring single by Nick Castellanos following an intentional walk to Miguel Cabrera.

Detroit might have scored more, but James McCann, who led off the third with a double, was thrown out at the plate by center fielder J.B. Shuck for the first out while trying to score on a single by Mike Aviles.

Sale settled down from there.

Chicago pushed across single runs in the fourth and fifth innings, on RBI ground outs by Brett Lawrie and Adam Eaton, to tie it at 3. Frazier added a sacrifice fly in the seventh to put the White Sox on top 4-3, and put Sale in line for the win.

Anderson led off the seventh with a single and advanced to third on a ground-rule double by Eaton.

Chicago added an insurance run in the eighth on a RBI triple by Schuck.

"You put your guys in a hole and they get you out of it and get you a win as well," Sale said. "It's huge taking a series before going on the road. Hopefully that gives us a boost."

MISSED SALE

Victor Martinez, who sat out his third straight game with a balky right knee, is 18 for 36 with four homers and nine RBIs against Sale. Ausmus said he wasn't tempted to put Martinez in the lineup, even though he pinch hit in the ninth inning.

"We need Victor for the entire season," Ausmus said. "Unfortunately, one of the days he needs to have off is against someone he's done pretty well against."

ONLY THE BEST

Iglesias has two homers on the season, off Sale and Max Scherzer of the Washington Nationals.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Tigers: OF Cameron Maybin was back in the lineup after sitting out Tuesday to rest his left wrist. He broke it in spring training and it still gives him occasional pain.

UP NEXT

Tigers: RHP Justin Verlander (6-5, 3.77 ERA) pitches the opener of a four-game at Kansas City on Thursday night. LHP Danny Duffy (2-1, 2.94) goes for the Royals.

White Sox: LHP Jose Quintana (5-7, 2.66 ERA) looks to snap a six-game losing streak Friday night against Indians RHP Trevor Bauer (4-2, 3.69) in the opener of a three-game series at Cleveland. Quintana has received a total of four runs of support in his last six starts.

Blackhawks make waves on Wednesday

The Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday acquired a second-round pick (50th overall) in the 2016 National Hockey League Draft and a third-round pick in the 2017 NHL Draft from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forwards Bryan Bickell and Teuvo Teravainen.

Bickell, 30, has notched 65 goals and adding 70 assists in 384 games with the Blackhawks, spanning nine seasons. A member of the 2013 and 2015 Stanley Cup championship teams, he was the Blackhawks' second-round selection (41st overall) in the 2004 NHL Draft.

Teravainen, 21, recently completed his third NHL season—all with the Blackhawks—and has collected 17 goals and 27 assists in 115 games. Chicago first selection (18th overall) in the 2012 NHL Draft, Teravainen was a member of the team’s 2015 Stanley Cup championship.

The Blackhawks also agreed to a one-year contract with forward Richard Panik.

Details of the contract were not released.

Panik would have become a restricted free agent July 1.

Panik, 25, had six goals and eight points in 30 regular-season games after he was acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for forward Jeremy Morin on Jan. 3.

Chicago Sports Weekly Report: (Very) basic analysis of the Cubs and White Sox

"UNB! Network" Chicago Sports Report

The following is some basic analysis of the Cubs and White Sox so far in the 2016 MLB season.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (43-18)
.705 - 1st in NL Central

Analysis: The Cubs are on track to win their first World Series title since 1908. 2015 was the closest they've gotten to that in quite a while, making it to the NLCS, where they would lose to the New York Mets. The Cubs are already off to a better season at this point in 2016 then this same point in 2015, and that may mean good things for the Cubs going forward.

CHICAGO WHITE SOX (31-32)
.490 - 4th in AL Central

Analysis: The White Sox are struggling, there's no doubt about it. There were parts of this season where they were leading their division, but now they sit fourth in it. The team needs to find the issues they have and fix them if they want to get back on track.

Yordano Ventura pitches Royals past White Sox 3-1

CHICAGO (AP) — The Baltimore brawl is over. Yordano Ventura is concentrating on finding his form for the Kansas City Royals.

This was an awfully nice step in that direction.

Ventura pitched seven sharp innings in his first start since his fight with Manny Machado, and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 3-1 on Sunday for their second straight win following an eight-game losing streak.

"Today (I) was feeling what (I've) been working on all along," Ventura said, with catching coach Pedro Grifol serving as translator, "which is get the ball out of the glove quickly and get out in front."

Ventura (5-4) struck out a season-high 10 and walked one in his first win since May 17 against Boston, making the most of Kansas City's run-scoring singles in the first and second. Salvador Perez added a leadoff homer down the left-field line in the ninth.

The 25-year-old Ventura went 0-2 with a 6.17 ERA in his previous four starts.

"When we took him out of the game, I told him tomorrow his duty was to come in and watch every pitch of that ballgame because every pitch that he delivered for me was phenomenal," manager Ned Yost said.

Ventura was suspended nine games by Major League Baseball after he hit Machado in the back with a 99 mph fastball in the fifth inning of a 9-1 loss Tuesday, leading to a bench-clearing fight. But the right-hander appealed the punishment and is allowed to pitch until the process is complete.

"For me, I mean, he was totally judged guilty without even a trial, without hearing any of the evidence," Yost said. "To me, that wasn't right, but it is what it is."

Chicago put runners on first and third with no outs in the fifth, but J.B. Shuck struck out looking and Ventura got rookie Tim Anderson to bounce into a double play — one of three on the day for Chicago. After Jose Abreu homered in the sixth, Ventura struck out Melky Cabrera and Todd Frazier to end the inning.

Kelvin Herrera worked the eighth and Wade Davis finished for his 17th save in 18 chances, helping Yost improve to 500-499 in seven years with Kansas City.

The White Sox lost for the 14th time in their last 18 games — five of those defeats have come against the Royals.

"There's no worry," left-hander Carlos Rodon said. "We know we're good enough. We're just going through a rough patch."

Rodon (2-6) shook off a slow start and pitched six effective innings after he was pushed back a couple of days due to a sore neck. He allowed seven hits, struck out seven and walked two.

"He threw well," White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. "He got into some binds there and I think he limited his chances. There could have been some big innings there and he bucked up and got out of it."

Kendrys Morales' two-out RBI single got Kansas City on the board in the first, and Whit Merrifield added another run-scoring single in the second.

OLD FRIENDS

White Sox right-hander James Shields chatted with Yost when he visited the Royals before the game.

Shields won 27 games over two seasons in Kansas City, helping the Royals reach the 2014 World Series. He signed with San Diego in February 2015 and was traded to the White Sox on June 4.

"He left a big impact here. It's good to see him," Yost said. "I'm glad he's back in the American League."

Shields lasted just two-plus innings in an 11-4 loss to Washington in his White Sox debut on Wednesday. He pitches again on Monday against Detroit.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Royals: Perez was checked on by Yost and a trainer after the catcher fell awkwardly while chasing a wild pitch in the fourth inning. Perez stayed in after catching a warmup pitch from Ventura.

UP NEXT

Royals: RHP Edinson Volquez (5-6, 4.25 ERA) gets the ball when Kansas City begins a seven-game homestand Monday night against Cleveland. RHP Carlos Carrasco (2-1, 3.48) pitches for the Indians in the opener of a three-game series.

White Sox: Shields (2-8, 5.06 ERA) is 7-6 with a 4.10 ERA in 18 career starts against Detroit. LHP Matt Boyd (0-1, 3.38) goes for the Tigers.

Lester allows no earned runs as Cubs rout Braves 13-2

ATLANTA (AP) — Jon Lester stopped himself as he started to say he hoped the Cubs could keep winning at their current pace.

That would be asking for too much.

Lester earned his fourth straight victory after allowing no earned runs in seven innings as Chicago beat the Atlanta Braves 13-2 on Sunday to win their final series at Turner Field.

The Cubs (43-18) have won 14 of 18 and improved to 39-2 when scoring at least four runs. They moved 25 games over .500 with their best record through 61 games since 1907, when they won the World Series.

"It's been fun to be a part of and hopefully we can just keep ... obviously the pace we're on is pretty crazy," Lester said. "Not a lot of us have answers for what's going on. Enjoy it while we can."

Lester (8-3) also is on an impressive personal run. He has allowed only one earned run with no walks in three wins this month, lowering his ERA to 1.89. He gave up five hits to the Braves, his high mark of the month, with seven strikeouts.

"That's three in a row he's been outstanding," said Cubs manager Joe Maddon. "Never tired. His stuff was still good at the end. He's pitching with a lot of confidence right now."

Maddon also had difficulty finding perspective for the Cubs' strong record.

"Listen, I have nothing to complain about," Maddon said. "I have been on a team with this kind of record in the minor leagues. Never in the majors."

Chicago outscored Atlanta 21-4 in winning the final two games of the three-game series.

Javier Baez hit a three-run homer off Chris Withrow to cap the Cubs' six-run eighth inning.

Anthony Rizzo drove in three runs with three hits. David Ross had two hits and also drove in two runs, one on a base-loaded walk from Alexi Ogando in Chicago's three-run seventh.

Jason Heyward, who began his career with the Braves, had three hits, two walks and scored three runs.

The Cubs matched their season high with four errors. The first of two throwing errors by Ross, on a double-steal by Freddie Freeman and Chase d'Arnaud, allowed d'Arnaud to score Atlanta's only run in the first inning.

The Braves (18-44) have the majors' worst record. They are 7-25 at home.

Braves rookie right-hander John Gant (0-1), making his first start after seven relief appearances, allowed three runs, two earned, in 4 1/3 innings. Gant gave up four hits with four walks and left the game trailing 3-1.

"He battled through a lot and did a good job of keeping the game there against, obviously, one of the best teams in baseball," said Braves interim manager Brian Snitker.

Withrow gave up six runs while recording only one out.

UNUSUAL SLIDE RULE CALL

A review determined Ross violated the slide rule — even when he didn't slide into second base. Ross hit a grounder to first baseman Freddie Freeman, who threw to shortstop Erick Aybar in the sixth inning. Ross ran past the bag as Aybar was forced to alter his throw back to first. The throw was late and Lester initially was safe at first until the review resulted in a double play.

WAIVER CLAIM

The Cubs claimed right-hander R.J. Alvarez off waivers from Oakland. Alvarez, who has been recovering from surgery on March 29 to remove bone chips from his right elbow, was assigned to Double-A Tennessee. Alvarez has a 7.39 ERA in 31 combined games with San Diego and Oakland.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Braves: Aybar came off the 15-day DL and started after missing 14 games with a bruised right foot. IF Daniel Castro was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett.

UP NEXT

Cubs: RHP Kyle Hendricks (4-5, 2.90), who has allowed no more than two runs in four straight starts, will try to even his record when Chicago opens a series at Washington on Monday night.

Braves: RHP Aaron Blair (0-4, 7.13), originally scheduled to start Sunday before given an extra day to rest, will look for his first win in Monday night's opening game of a four-game series against the Reds.

ChiSox end 5-game skid, beat Nats behind Cabrera, Gonzalez

CHICAGO (AP) — Todd Frazier wondered if going to church more would help the White Sox break out of their funk. Then the Chicago third baseman suggested a scuffle with teammate Adam Eaton.

"I'll put him on a hook here," Frazier said, smiling. "They'll say, 'What are you doing?' Well, Fraze is trying to shake things up."

A few hours later, the White Sox found a way to win with Eaton staying on the ground.

Melky Cabrera doubled twice and drove in two runs, Miguel Gonzalez pitched six strong innings after securing a rotation spot and the White Sox held off the Washington Nationals 3-1 on Thursday night to snap a five-game skid.

How much did the White Sox need this win?

"Big time. Bad," catcher Dioner Navarro said. "We've been scuffling. We are in a bad spot right now, but we know what it takes. Today, baby steps."

Gonzalez (1-1) won his first game with Chicago after losing seven straight decisions dating to last season with Baltimore. The right-hander retired the first 12 batters he faced, giving up three hits and a run.

The White Sox gave Gonzalez the No. 5 starting spot after designating Mat Latos for assignment before the game.

"They've given me the opportunity to start games and I'm happy," Gonzalez said.

Brett Lawrie added an RBI double in a three-run first off Gio Gonzalez (3-5), who struck out 10 in 6 2/3 innings.

Daniel Murphy hit a solo homer in the fifth for the Nationals, whose three-game winning streak was snapped.

"It was a good road trip," Nats manager Dusty Baker said. "We wanted a great one. When you go 6-3 on the road, that's considered good."

Gio Gonzalez walked two straight in the first before allowing two-out doubles on consecutive pitches to Cabrera and Lawrie.

The Washington lefty then retired 11 straight. He gave up five hits in seven innings.

David Robertson worked around two hits in the ninth for his 14th save in 16 tries. Murphy hoped his game-ending liner to left would fall.

"Then when I saw Melky go after it, I wanted him to fall," Murphy said. "He made a really nice play."

Filling in for injured Carlos Rodon in the rotation, Miguel Gonzalez shined on a busy day.

Looking for answers to a 6-20 stretch that saw them go from six games up in the AL Central to fourth place, the White Sox cut the struggling Latos and signed veteran lefty hitter Justin Morneau. The former AL MVP won't be ready to play until after the All-Star break due to offseason elbow surgery.

Gonzalez had great movement on his fastball early, striking out five through four innings, until Murphy's shot to right made it 3-1.

He worked out of a sixth-inning jam with the help of shortstop Tyler Saladino, who threw out Jose Lobaton at the plate on a grounder.

"He was fantastic," manager Robin Ventura said of Gonzalez. "It's what we needed."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Nationals: OF Ben Revere and C Wilson Ramos had scheduled days off.

White Sox: Morneau, the 2014 NL batting champion, said his left elbow hurt every time he swung last season in Colorado. "It feels good now," Morneau said. "I think that's part of the reason I wanted to come back." . Rodon (neck) could start Sunday against Kansas City.

VENTURA'S FUTURE

Chicago GM Rick Hahn was asked about Ventura's job status.

"I don't think you've ever see me telegraph any move or comment on any individual player, or anybody in uniform," Hahn said.

Ventura shook off a similar question.

"You guys have been asking that all year, so that part hasn't changed," he said.

DRAFT DAY

Nationals: Carter Kieboom, a high school SS from Marietta, Georgia, was taken with the 28th pick and RHP Dane Dunning of Florida went 29th.

White Sox: C Zack Collins of Miami was selected with the 10th pick and RHP Zach Burdi of Louisville went 26th.

UP NEXT

Nationals: RHP Stephen Strasburg (9-0, 2.85 ERA) seeks to win his 13th straight decision Friday night to kick off a six-game homestand against Philadelphia and RHP Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 3.80).

White Sox: RHP Chris Sale (9-2, 2.54), who hasn't won since May 19, faces Kansas City RHP Ian Kennedy (4-4, 3.44). The Royals bring a seven-game losing streak to Chicago.

Nats hit 3 HRs in Shields' ugly debut, rout White Sox 11-4

CHICAGO (AP) — The first hint of boos came after James Shields walked the game's second batter. They gained intensity after each of the three home runs and reached their peak after he was yanked in the third inning.

The Chicago White Sox's big addition couldn't stop their stunning slide.

Ryan Zimmerman hit a two-run homer in the first to set the tone in Shields' miserable White Sox debut, Max Scherzer threw seven scoreless innings and the Washington Nationals routed reeling Chicago 11-4 on Wednesday night.

"You never want to come into a new team and expect to do that," Shields said.

Zimmerman's homer in a four-run first inning was followed by consecutive shots by Stephen Drew and Danny Espinosa to lead off the second.

Everyone in the Nationals lineup reached base safely at least once in two-plus innings off Shields (2-8), who couldn't command his fastball and gave up seven runs and eight hits in his first start since being acquired from San Diego.

"I didn't give them a chance," Shields said.

Instead of jump-starting a club once 23-10, Shields failed to get out of the third inning for the second straight start. The White Sox lost for the 20th time in 26 games to fall under .500 for the first time.

"Maybe he came in here pressing to try to impress," Chicago manager Robin Ventura said. "We know he's going to pitch better, but the first inning probably got to him somewhat."

Scherzer (7-4) allowed five hits for the Nationals, who have scored at least 10 runs in three straight games.

Jayson Werth hit a three-run homer off David Robertson in the eighth as the Nationals pounced on Shields for their seventh win in nine games.

"We scored early and that was big," Washington manager Dusty Baker said. "Shields wasn't that sharp today. He threw a bunch of pitches early and we capitalized on it."

Shields, who helped Tampa Bay and Kansas City reach the World Series in recent years, has fallen on hard times since signing a four-year, $75 million deal with San Diego before last season.

Padres executive Ron Fowler called his performance "an embarrassment" after he allowed 10 runs in 2 2/3 innings last week. He was traded to the White Sox four days later, and had command issues again.

Zimmerman crushed a belt-high 90 mph fastball to left in the first, before the lefty-hitting Drew and Espinosa pulled off-speed pitches.

"It seemed like everyone was comfortable and seeing his ball well," said Ben Revere, one of four Nationals with three hits.

The crowd cheered sarcastically when Shields struck out Bryce Harper after four straight hits in the second. Fans jeered when Shields was yanked after Anthony Rendon's leadoff single in the third.

Scherzer retired the first nine batters, struck out six and walked one. The White Sox scored four in the ninth to avoid being shut out.

"We haven't had a whole bunch of games like this when I haven't had to manage much," Baker said. "It's the kind of games that you like."

TRAINER'S ROOM

Nationals: RHP Matt Belisle (calf) remained on his rehab assignment at Triple-A Syracuse despite an overworked bullpen. "We didn't even talk about (bringing in another arm)," Baker said.

White Sox: RHP Zach Putnam (elbow soreness) replaced Shields and allowed two hits in the third inning. An MRI cleared Putnam after he was unavailable for two games.

HARPER SLIPS, SHINES

Harper dropped to second behind Cubs OF Dexter Fowler in the latest All-Star fan voting on a busy night. He pushed a bunt toward third for a hit against the shift in the first, threw out Jimmy Rollins at the plate from right field to end the fifth, doubled in the sixth and finished 3 for 6.

POSITION PLAYER PITCHING

White Sox OF J.B. Shuck, who pitched at Ohio State, allowed a run in the ninth in his big league pitching debut. He gave up one of Washington's 18 hits.

CATCH A DRAFT

The White Sox hold the 10th and 26th picks and the Nationals have the 28th and 29th selections in Thursday's draft.

"One of our big things this year is we want to start getting more true baseball players in our system," said Nick Hostetler, Chicago's director of amateur scouting.

UP NEXT

White Sox RHP Miguel Gonzalez (0-1, 3.93 ERA) replaces Carlos Rodon (neck) in the series finale Thursday night. LHP Gio Gonzalez (3-4, 3.94) starts for the Nationals.

Lackey goes 7 strong, Cubs beat Phillies 8-1

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — John Lackey struck out eight in seven dominant innings, Kris Bryant and Ben Zobrist hit homers and the Chicago Cubs beat the Philadelphia Phillies 8-1 on Wednesday.

Lackey (7-2) gave up three hits and extended his scoreless streak to 13 2/3 innings.

Phillies starter Vince Velasquez left the game after getting one out because of right biceps soreness. Velasquez threw two pitches and quickly left the mound when a trainer came out.

Brett Oberholtzer (2-1) replaced him and allowed one unearned run following his throwing error in four innings.

Bryant hit his 14th homer off Andrew Bailey in the sixth, a two-run shot out to left. Zobrist connected one out later to make it 4-0.

Chicago scored four runs off Colton Murray in the eighth to extend the lead.

The Phillies missed an opportunity in the first after consecutive singles by Odubel Herrera and Cesar Hernandez put runners on first and third. Herrera tried to score on Freddy Galvis' shallow fly, but left fielder Albert Almora Jr. threw him out by several feet.

STANDINGS

The major league-leading Cubs are 41-17 while the Phillies fell to 29-31.

NICE DEBUT, KID

Almora, the No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft, started his first game. He showed off his arm on his first play, the fly ball by Galvis. He added an RBI single off pitcher Colton Murray's glove in the eighth.

LOOKING SHARP

Inspired by Jon Lester's suggestion, Cubs players, coaches and staff wore blue-and-white, NBA-like tracksuits to the ballpark throughout the series and will continue it on their way to Atlanta. Themed road trips have become part of the team's identity under manager Joe Maddon.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Phillies: There was no immediate word on the extent of Velasquez's injury.

UP NEXT

Cubs: Following a day off, RHP Jason Hammel (7-1, 2.14 ERA) takes the mound in the opener of a three-game series at Atlanta.

Phillies: After a day off, RHP Jeremy Hellickson (4-3, 3.80) starts the opener of a three-game series at NL East-leading Washington on Friday night.

Harper drives in 3 runs, Nationals beat White Sox 10-5

CHICAGO (AP) — Bryce Harper finally got some pitches to hit in Chicago and made the most of his chances.

Harper drove in three runs, Anthony Rendon homered and the Washington Nationals handed the White Sox their 19th loss in 25 games, beating Chicago 10-5 on Tuesday night.

While the NL East-leading Nationals won for the sixth time in eight games, the White Sox continued their stunning decline. A team that got off to a 23-10 start and spent 47 days in first place in the AL Central is now in fourth place at 29-29, with Detroit beating Toronto.

Harper saw some pitches to hit after the Cubs walked him 13 times while sweeping four games at Wrigley Field last month. The 2015 NL MVP came through with a go-ahead two-run double in the fifth and a sacrifice fly in a four-run sixth.

"I wasn't even really thinking about that to tell you the truth," Harper said. "I was just trying to go out there and have some good at-bats."

Rendon hit a two-run homer off Mat Latos (6-2). Michael Taylor added a two-run double and robbed Dioner Navarro with a diving catch in center field.

Reliever Blake Treinen (4-1) pitched two-hit ball over three scoreless innings after a shaky start by Joe Ross. And the Nationals won a game that lasted 3 hours, 55 minutes and featured a combined 14 walks and two hit batters.

"This club can hit," manager Dusty Baker said after watching his team score 10 runs in the second straight game. "We've been sporadic in our offense, inconsistent in our offense. Hitting breeds confidence and confidence is spread around."

Todd Frazier hit his 19th homer for Chicago. Jose Abreu had two hits and drove in two runs. Adam Eaton scored twice, but the White Sox continued their freefall.

Frazier's two-run homer on a line drive to center in the second gave Chicago a 5-2 lead. But after rallying from five down in Sunday's win at Cincinnati, the Nationals came back again.

"The team gives you lead like they did today and you flat out blow it, "Latos said. "It's absolutely pathetic."

Rendon's two-run drive in the fourth cut the lead to one. Harper, who tied a major league-record with six walks in a game against the Cubs last month, gave Washington a 6-5 lead with one out in the fifth when he greeted reliever Dan Jennings with a two-run double to center.

The Nationals added four more in the sixth on a two-run double by Taylor off Matt Albers, Harper's sacrifice fly against Zach Duke and Wilson Ramos' bases-loaded walk.

Ross lasted just four innings, allowing five runs and four hits. He walked four and threw 91 pitches — 39 in a two-run first.

Latos gave up six runs, five hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings. After winning his first four starts, his ERA has climbed from 0.74 to 4.62, and White Sox manager Robin Ventura sidestepped questions about his future in the rotation.

"Maty's got to do better," he said. "He knows that. You can't go out there and just give them those free passes."

GOING LONG

Treinen threw 66 pitches in his longest outing since he went four innings in an 8-3 loss at San Diego on May 14, 2015.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Nationals: With 1B Ryan Zimmerman returning from the paternity list, prospect Trea Turner was optioned to Triple-A Syracuse. "It's hard to impress me in three days," Baker said. "But we know this kid can play. I said, 'Go down there and hit .330.'" . Baker said they'll have a "tough decision" when the rehab assignment for RHP Matt Belisle (calf) expires later this month.

White Sox: The White Sox are skipping Carlos Rodon's next start because of discomfort in his neck and arm. Rodon was scheduled to pitch Thursday against the Nationals. Miguel Gonzalez will take his place. General manager Rick Hahn says an MRI showed no structural damage for Rodon. ... Ventura said reliever Zach Putnam was unavailable due to elbow soreness.

UP NEXT

RHP James Shields makes his White Sox debut after being acquired from San Diego, while RHP Max Scherzer (6-4, 3.87 ERA) starts for Washington. Shields was 2-7 with a 4.28 ERA in 11 starts for the Padres.

Howard, Eickhoff lead Phillies over Cubs 3-2

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — The old Ryan Howard showed up after a difficult week.

Howard hit a solo homer, Jerad Eickhoff threw seven impressive innings and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Chicago Cubs 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Eickhoff (3-8) allowed one run and two hits, striking out eight. Jeanmar Gomez pitched out of a bases-loaded jam in the eighth and got the final six outs for his 19th save in 20 tries.

Howard hit his ninth homer way out to right-center to make it 2-0 in the fourth. The 2006 NL MVP started for the first time since a fan threw a plastic beer bottle at him after Saturday's game. Rookie Tommy Joseph has replaced the struggling Howard at first base and started the previous six games.

"I wasn't thinking about the week or the last 10 days," Howard said. "I was just thinking about that moment. I got a good pitch, he hung me a breaking ball, and I was able to hit it out."

Howard nearly went deep again in the eighth, but his fly ball to deep center was caught on the warning track. Though he's only batting .153, Howard has hit homers in four of Philadelphia's one-run victories, including two 1-0 wins and a walk-off homer in a 4-3 win.

"From what he's been going through, it was nice to see him hit that home run," manager Pete Mackanin said. "I think it gave him a little more confidence. He almost had another one. Good to see."

Kyle Hendricks (4-5) gave up two runs and four hits, striking out six in five innings.

Maikel Franco and Odubel Herrera had RBI singles for the Phillies, who lost the first four games against the Cubs this season.

Trailing 3-1, the Cubs loaded the bases with no outs against Hector Neris in the eighth. Gomez entered and retired Dexter Fowler on a sacrifice fly. Jason Heyward then grounded into a double play started by second baseman Andres Blanco, who made an excellent grab on the sharply hit ball and a nifty flip to shortstop Freddy Galvis.

"Wow, that was a special play," Mackanin said.

Gomez retired David Ross on a grounder to shortstop to end the game with runners on first and third.

"You don't have to try to do too much," Gomez said. "Just attack the hitter because you need an out quickly."

Batting third for the first time in his career, Galvis hit a two-out double in the first inning. Franco followed with an RBI single to right to make it 1-0.

Herrera's RBI single with two outs in the seventh increased the lead to 3-1.

Eickhoff kept the Cubs off-balance by changing speeds. He struck out Kris Bryant twice on slow curves.

"He was really good," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "Had good stuff and was able to throw his breaking ball for strikes. I know he's young but he's going to be good."

CLIMBING THE LADDER

Howard's home run was the 366th of his career, tying him with Lance Berkman for 80th place on baseball's all-time list. His first-inning walk was the 695th of his career, moving him past Willie Jones into seventh place in franchise history.

STANDINGS

The Cubs lead the majors with a 40-17 record while the Phillies improved to 29-30 with just their fifth win in 18 games.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Cubs: OF Jorge Soler was placed on the 15-day DL because of a left hamstring strain. He was injured running to first base in Monday night's game. OF Albert Almora Jr. was called up from Triple-A Iowa to take his roster spot. He grounded out as a pinch-hitter in his major league debut.

UP NEXT

RHP John Lackey (6-2, 2.88 ERA) starts for the Cubs against Phillies RHP Vince Velasquez (5-2, 3.67) on Wednesday afternoon.

Lester pitches 8 shutout innings to lead Cubs over Phillies

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Jon Lester dominated for eight innings, and the Chicago Cubs bullpen was just good enough in the ninth for yet another victory.

Lester pitched eight scoreless innings, Jason Heyward hit a two-run homer and the Cubs held off the Philadelphia Phillies 6-4 on Monday night.

Lester (7-3) improved to 6-0 in eight career starts against the Phillies while lowering his ERA against them to 1.46. He struck out nine, walked none and allowed four hits.

"He's really on top of his game right now," Maddon said.


Philadelphia scored all of its runs in the ninth after Maddon elected not to send Lester out for the last inning. Lester threw 95 pitches and had to wait out a lengthy top of the ninth.

"It was really an easy decision once we got the sixth run," Maddon said. "It just didn't play out right. We had to fasten our seatbelts in the ninth."

Lester said he didn't lobby hard to stay in the game.

"I told Joe I was fine, but I also told him that he's the manager," Lester said. "I've tried before with him, and I think I've won maybe one in the last two years. When he shakes my hand, I know it's one of those deals where it's pretty much done, so there's no real point in arguing."

Justin Grimm gave up a pair of singles and Freddy Galvis' three-run homer without recording an out. Closer Hector Rondon relieved Grimm and allowed Tommy Joseph's solo shot to center. Rondon then got two quick outs before Odubel Herrera's pinch-hit single brought the tying run to the plate with two outs. Rondon got Ryan Howard to ground out to earn his 11th save in as many chances.

"That ninth inning was a lot of fun," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said. "It was good to see the guys fight back."

Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo and Dexter Fowler each had three hits for the Cubs, who won their 11th in 13 games while extending their best start since 1900 to a major league-leading 40-16. Chicago moved 10 games in front of second-place Pittsburgh in the NL Central. Bryant had a pair of doubles and an RBI and Rizzo drove in two runs.

"I feel like anybody can do it from any spot," Heyward said of the Cubs offense. "I feel like there's no true break."

The Cubs have dominated the Phillies this season, winning all four meetings while outscoring Philadelphia 23-9.

Philadelphia has lost nine of 11 overall.

Adam Morgan (1-5) gave up three runs on eight hits in six innings to lose his fifth straight start. The Philadelphia left-hander has an 8.42 ERA over that stretch, but he pitched better against the Cubs than he has in his four prior outings.

"You could see the determination in his eyes," Mackanin said. "He wanted to have a good outing. He knows he has to pitch better and he did today, which was good to see. But you have to make good pitches every inning."

Heyward's third homer of the season, a shot to right in the fourth, padded the lead to 3-0.

The Phillies had their best chance to score off Lester in the second when they loaded the bases with two outs, but Lester got Jimmy Paredes to fly out to left field. The Cubs left-hander was dominant from that point, retiring 13 straight batters before Joseph's seventh-inning single.

Maddon gave Ben Zobrist the day off. Zobrist leads the majors in on-base percentage (.438) but has gone 0 for 13 in his last five games.

CASE OF THE MONDAYS

The Phillies dropped to 0-8 on Mondays this season. The Phillies' last win on a Monday came last July 20, making it 13 straight Mondays with a defeat.

TRAINER'S ROOM

Cubs: Jorge Soler left after singling to left field in the third inning. Soler injured his left hamstring while running the bases. He'll have an MRI on Tuesday, Maddon said. ... Fowler was hit on the right pinky finger by Andrew Bailey in the eighth inning but remained in the game.

UP NEXT

Cubs RHP Kyle Hendricks (4-4, 2.84) opposes Phillies RHP Jerad Eickhoff (2-8, 3.93) in the second contest of the three-game set Tuesday night.

Chicago Sports Weekly Report: Blackhawks announce pre-season schedule

Blackhawks announce pre-season schedule: The Chicago Blackhawks this past Thursday released their 2016-17 pre-season schedule.

The schedule is below:

DATE         OPPONENT  LOCATION         TIME (CT)
WED., 9/28 PITTSBURGH UNITED CENTER         7:30 P.M.
FRI., 9/30 PITTSBURGH CONSOL ENERGY CENTER 6:05 P.M.
SAT., 10/1 ST. LOUIS UNITED CENTER         7:30 P.M.
SUN., 10/2 DETROIT         JOE LOUIS ARENA         5 P.M.
TUES., 10/4 DETROIT         UNITED CENTER         7:30 P.M.
SAT., 10/8 ST. LOUIS SCOTTRADE CENTER 7 P.M.

White Sox contunue to struggle, Arrieta actually loses: Words can't even describe the struggles of the Chicago White Sox right now, as they sit third in the AL Central with a record of 29-28. They are a horrifying 2-8 in their last ten games.

They currently sit behind the second-place Kansas City Royals (30-26) and the Cleveland Indians (31-24), who currently lead the division.

The Chicago Cubs however faced a rare occurence on Sunday.

Even though they are leading the NL Central with a record of 39-16, Cubs pitcher Jake Arrieta finally lost a game after going on a 20-0 streak. The Cubs lost 3-2 to the Arizona Diamondbacks on Sunday.