Sometimes, all it takes is one game to transform the mood inside a team. The post Phillies’ $7.7M Star Admits Major Challenge After Jesus Luzardo Redeems Himself Vs Cubs appeared first on EssentiallySports.

PHILADELPHIA — Even as right-hander Ben Brown struggled with command from the onset of his start Wednesday against the Phillies, the Cubs needed him to cover innings. In the Cubs’ 7-2 loss, he at least delivered 5⅔ innings. But it was a slog most of the way, as he allowed six runs and eight hits.

Rookie starter Mick Abel allowed three solo home runs and lasted only four innings. Eight of the Phillies’ 10 hits were singles, and only two came with runners in scoring position. They had only two hits after the fifth inning. Brandon Marsh exited after hyperextending his left elbow on a slide in the fifth inning.

Brown’s first inning might have been better. He did manage to get two outs with runners on base, but a two-run double by Max Kepler gave the Phillies the lead, and then Nico Hoerner couldn’t handle a ground ball by J.T. Realmuto that might have ended the inning. Instead, a third run scored.

Brandon Marsh singled home the winning run in the 11th inning after the Phillies used two bunt hits to load the bases and beat the Cubs, 4-3.

The Philadelphia Phillies shook up their bullpen ahead of the series finale against the Chicago Cubs, calling up Michael Mercado and designating Carlos Hernandez for assignment.

Jesús Luzardo returned to form and Alec Bohm, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Castellanos contributed three of the Phillies’ five extra-base hits in a 7-2 win over the Cubs that the team can only hope revived

How to watch, listen to Cubs vs. Phillies rubber match on Wednesday afternoon in Philadelphia. The post How to Watch, Listen to Cubs vs. Phillies Rubber Match first appeared on easySportz.