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.

After a thrilling 8-4 win against the Phillies in Game 2, the Cubs had momentum on their side. The post Disappointed Cubs Manager Sounds Off After Ben Brown’s Rough Outing Adds to Costly Series Loss vs Phillies appeared first on EssentiallySports.

For a second consecutive day, Craig Counsell watched the end of the Chicago Cubs game from the visiting manager’s office following an ejection.

The Cubs then pulled ahead in the 11th on an RBI double by Crow-Armstrong. Cubs starter Matthew Boyd, who held the Phillies to two runs (one earned) in six innings, harped on his own error on a pickoff attempt, which eventually led to the second run.

On the same day the Phillies revealed they will be without Aaron Nola longer than previously expected, the two pitchers who have had a chance to fill that rotation void had forgettable outings -- each in a relatively new role.

With a season ERA well above league average, Chicago Cubs right-hander Ben Brown could soon be on the outside looking into Chicago's starting rotation.

The Phillies' Jesus Luzardo shut down the Cubs after allowing 20 runs in his previous two starts. Here's what that means for phenom Andrew Painter.