Big losses have been few and far between for surprising Brewers

CHICAGO - It counted as only one loss, so the Brewers weren’t going to step out on a ledge after getting thumped by the Cubs on Sunday afternoon at Wrigley Field.

The final score was 13-6 but it really wasn’t that close. The Brewers scored five runs in the ninth off Chicago newcomer Dylan Floro, who apparently wasn’t up to protecting a 12-run lead.

It was still a successful 4-2 road trip for the Brewers, who have thrived away from home thus far (13-8).

“We’ve been consistently competitive,” said Ryan Braun, who returned from 10 days on the disabled list with forearm and calf issues. “We really believe in our offense. We feel if we keep it close, we have a chance.

“We had some opportunities early. We just weren’t able to get some big hits in big situations. You know you’re going to have these games from time to time. You just have to try to turn the page as quickly as possible.”

The rebuilding Brewers have been one of the surprises in the National League, soaring to the top of the NL Central standings at the quarter pole of the season. As Braun noted, the team’s high-scoring offense has been greatly responsible for that better-than-expected showing.

GAME STORY: Chicago scores early and often

BOX SCORE: Cubs 13, Brewers 6

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To have any chance of making it last, however, the pitching must spring fewer leaks. After a strong April (2-0, 2.10), right-hander Chase Anderson has fallen off dramatically in May (0-1, 7.71 in four starts).

The Brewers have been plagued by short starts at times from their rotation, which has put undue stress on the bullpen. In his four starts this month, Anderson has lasted 4 2/3 innings, 4 2/3 innings, 5 1/3 innings and four-plus against the Cubs.

“Today, when he fell behind in the count, they took really good swings,” manager Craig Counsell said. “When he got ahead in the count, I thought he pitched all right.

“It’s simple. Just falling behind in the count and putting those guys in hitter’s counts. That’s what hurt him today. He was missing with his fastball a bunch.”

At some point later this week, opening day starter Junior Guerra will rejoin the starting rotation. It likely will take him a few starts to settle in but the Brewers really could use the consistent outings he gave them in 2016.

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NOTES: Cravy has an up-and-down day

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It’s a credit to the depth of the position players that the Brewers didn’t fall apart when Braun was on the DL (7-2 record) or take a major step back with Eric Thames battling leg issues that have decreased his effectiveness noticeably.

Nobody expected Thames to hit 11 home runs with a 1.276 OPS every month as he did in April. But hitters must have their legs under them and Thames has seen his slugging percentage drop from an outrageous .810 in April to .447 this month, with only two homers and six RBI.

It has been a frustrating period for Thames but not bad enough for the Brewers to place him on the DL for 10 days. He exited in the sixth inning Sunday with what was called leg cramping.

“It’s a long season,” Braun said. “The schedule is challenging. It’s a lot different than what he experienced the last few years (in Korea). It’s something we’re going to have to stay on top of throughout the year because we’re better with him in the lineup.”

HAUDRICOURT: Brewers' whiff rate has slowed

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Of Thames’ early exit against the Cubs, Counsell said, “It was more precautionary. He wanted to stay in the game. At that point, it was 6-1. So, it was kind of go to battle with him on Tuesday (after an off day Monday).

“We’ve got to figure out, before and after the game, if there’s anything we can improve so this can not happen quite as much. We’re still getting to know the player a little bit and how he feels. But we’ve got (about) 120 games left. We’ve got to try to improve on how he feels on a daily basis.”

This is how the season goes for every team, including those off to good starts. There are potholes along the way and you try to drive over as few of them as possible.

“We’ve had three road trips and we’ve been .500 or above on every road trip,” Counsell said. “That’s a good sign.”