August 2, 2015 ESPNChicago.com Tommy Hunter debuts with save, 99 mph pitch By Jesse Rogers MILWAUKEE -- For once the Chicago Cubs were buyers at the trade deadline instead of sellers. "We didn't have to say goodbye to our friends," is the way first baseman Anthony Rizzo put it on Saturday. Their mini buying spree paid immediate dividends as newcomer Tommy Hunter entered the game in the ninth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers after Jason Motte struggled to get just one out. It was a Jorge Soler leaping catch at the wall which prevented the game from getting to within one run. In came Hunter who got the next two hitters to earn his first save since May 9 of last year. His adrenaline may have been pumping just a little bit. "First two warmup pitches I throw, go to the backstop, then he swings at the first one," Hunter said of Jean Segura. "Thank you." Segura grounded out then Hernan Perez flew out to end the game but not before Hunter hit 99 mph on the radar gun. That had the locker room buzzing afterwards. "I looked up and said ‘that's a 99 ball right there,'" catcher Kyle Schwarber said. "That's why it got on him a little bit. That's probably the first time I caught a 99 ball right there." Hunter explained: "It's not like you're going to see that every day." Then he paused. "Hell you might. You never know." Hunter's big personality will fit right in with the laid back Cubs -- he actually said he took it easy the first time during their traditional post-win celebration -- and his arm will play for Maddon if he keeps this up. Motte's been struggling lately and the Cubs simply needed one more arm for insurance. "What Hunter did today there is pretty impressive, throwing 99," first baseman Anthony Rizzo said. Hunter did his part in his first chance to do so. Starter Dan Haren will get his chance next week. Small moves sometimes pay off. They did on Saturday. "That was awesome," Hunter declared --

ESPNChicago.com Anthony Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber carry Cubs to fourth straight win By Jesse Rogers MILWAUKEE -- Watch out pitchers everywhere, Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo is heating up exactly when his team needs him -- and he's doing it in dramatic fashion. Rizzo hit his fourth home run in as many days Saturday night as he and rookie Kyle Schwarber led their team to a 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs have won all four games Rizzo has gone deep. "Those are the kind of moments that can get you on the roll that you're really looking for," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of the three-run home run that erased an early 1-0 deficit. Rizzo did the same thing in Game 1 on Thursday -- erasing a late-inning deficit in that one -- while also belting a home run in Game 2 on Friday. He's simply on fire, reaching 20 home runs on the first day of August. Speaking of this month, Maddon was talking before the game about how the dog days of August work. It's hot, he explained. And the season's end isn't necessarily in sight. That comes in September. But if the Cubs are going to make the playoffs, this month is just as important as next, maybe more so considering they have seven games against the San Francisco Giants upcoming and three against the Los Angeles Dodgers. One of those teams will be their competition for a wild-card spot. So the Cubs have a lot to play for -- and not everyone is dreading this month. "I've been looking forward to August all year," Rizzo said. "We're home for a long time. It's hot in Chicago in August. I enjoy the hot weather, to be honest. We know what can happen at Wrigley when it warms up. I've been saying it all along to everyone, we're going to have a big August as a team and individually." Rizzo started his streak in late July and now he's halfway to the major league record of eight consecutive games with a home run, achieved three times. The way he's going at the plate it won't be surprising if he gets close to it. But Saturday's home run in the third inning probably doesn't occur if not for what Schwarber did two batters earlier. He worked an 11-pitch at-bat before singling off Brewers starter Matt Garza. Then came a Garza meltdown, including a four-pitch walk to Chris Coghlan before Rizzo went deep. "I almost killed a couple of people," Schwarber half-joked about his six consecutive foul balls. "Sorry about that." Schwarber showed his usual poise as pitch after full-count-pitch kept coming. He won the battle and it turned the game in his favor. He might give the best at-bat of all the rookies yet he's been here less than any of them. "I'm just trying to stick with my approach and keep it simple," Schwarber said. Maddon added: "He's not in a rush. He's not in a hurry. You don't see that with a lot of young guys having that method at the plate." For good measure, Schwarber hit a home run of his own in the seventh inning and helped newcomer Tommy Hunter navigate an attempted Brewers rally in the ninth -- after Jason Motte struggled again -- to nail down the win. No one could have known back in the spring that Rizzo and Schwarber would be carrying the team. Maybe one, but not the other. "Oh wow, it was 11 pitches?" Rizzo said. Yes, it was. And Garza couldn't deal with the ramifications of that at-bat. One veteran, one rookie. Both are capable of carrying the offense. In fact, they are. "We have to keep playing good baseball," Rizzo said. "We have to keep this good vibe going." --

ESPNChicago.com Rapid Reaction: Cubs 4, Brewers 2 By Jesse Rogers MILWAUKEE -- The Chicago Cubs beat the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 on Saturday night. Here's a quick look at the game. How it happened: Anthony Rizzo did it again. He hit his 20th home run of the season with two men on in the third inning, breaking a scoreless tie. It came after a walk to Chris Coghlan and long at-bat by Kyle Schwarber, which resulted in a base hit. The Brewers got one back in the fourth inning on a Khris Davis RBI single. Schwarber added one in the seventh with his fourth home run of the season, a long one out to right center. Kyle Hendricks did the rest as he lasted seven innings, giving up four hits, two walks and one run while striking out six. New Cubs reliever Tommy Hunter came in to get the final two outs in the ninth. What it means: Rizzo is simply on fire and the Cubs are taking advantage of a seemingly disinterested Brewers team. The offense has scored runs late in each game of the series, something it hadn't been doing for most of last month. Fewer and fewer hitters are struggling right now -- and the Cubs are starting to hit home runs -- which could finally mean the streak that manager Joe Maddon has been waiting for is coming. Maybe they're in it already as his team has won five of six, pushing their record to nine games over .500, tying a season high. Key at-bat: Schwarber's 11-pitch, third inning at-bat may have changed the game. He fouled off six consecutive pitches before singling up the middle. The next four pitches to Coghlan were balls and the one after that left the yard. Schwarber started the job and Rizzo finished it. Rizzo's streak: Rizzo has home runs in a career high four consecutive games -- two off lefties, two off righties. According to ESPN Stats & Information research, it's the longest streak for a Cub since Sammy Sosa hit homers in five straight games during 1998. What's next: The Cubs go for the four-game series sweep when Clayton Richard (1-0, 5.40) takes on Kyle Lohse (5-12, 6.24) on Sunday afternoon. -- ESPNChicago.com Tommy Hunter happy to be a Cub, close to home By Jesse Rogers MILWAUKEE -- New Chicago Cubs reliever Tommy Hunter should fit in nicely with laid back manager Joe Maddon's clubhouse. The admittedly loud righty says he's calmed down over the years -- but former teammates of his aren't buying it. "I doubt that," Jason Hammel said laughing. "He's loud and likes to have a good time." Hunter came from Baltimore on Friday for outfielder Junior Lake. He'll be inserted into the backend of the bullpen to play alongside another former teammate, Pedro Strop. "Peter (Pedro) probably said I was crazy as s---," Hunter said on his first day as a Cub. "I was a crazy S.O.B in Texas in my early days. Got it all out though." No one loves to be traded, but for Hunter it could be a blessing for him and his family. An Indianapolis native, he's excited to be closer to his ailing mother. "My mom is sick," Hunter said. "It was pretty rough. She's going through some surgeries, had one yesterday. Found out maybe two months ago ... now three hours away it will be cool."

As for baseball, Hunter's a power pitcher who's out-pitch is "whatever gets someone out," he joked. "I'm excited. It's a very, very talented group of baseball players in this clubhouse right here. To have someone want you, you have to be happy about that." Hunter adds an arm for the higher-leverage moments, something his predecessors couldn't be trusted with. Now he can alternate at the latter portion of games with Strop or Jason Motte or he could even get a ninth inning chance -- he had 11 saves last year for the Orioles. Hunter wasn't overused in July so he says he's ready to hit the ground running with his new club. "I think the edge will be (mine), none of the hitters will know me," Hunter said. "Throw the ball as hard as you can and hopefully strike people out." -- ESPNChicago.com Cubs Notes: Kyle Schwarber staying, Javier Baez next up? By Jesse Rogers MILWAUKEE – Chicago Cubs manager Joe Maddon made it clear on Saturday afternoon that rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber isn’t going back to the minors once veteran Miguel Montero is healthy, and minor leaguer Javier Baez will have an eventual role on the team now that the trade deadline has passed and he's still a Cub. “It would be hard to do that,” Maddon said about sending Schwarber down. “We want his bat in the lineup. He’s done a nice job behind the plate and shown versatility in the outfield.” Schwarber is hitting .323 with 12 RBIs playing both catcher and left field. How the playing rotation will work once Montero returns from a thumb injury remains to be seen. He left for Double-A Tennessee on Saturday on a rehab assignment, so he can’t be far from returning. Meanwhile, Maddon intimated that Baez, the team's 2011 first-round pick, will be with the team at some point over the final two months. Baez was the subject of trade rumors, but no deal for him was consummated. “I like the fact that he’s here,” Maddon said. “I like him a lot. He’s going to make an impact -- possibly in the near future -- definitely in the future, but I am happy he’s here. He’s a really talented baseball player.” Baez has been on fire since returning from a wrist injury. He’s 9 for 29 (.310) with two home runs for Triple-A Iowa entering play on Saturday. Overall, he’s hitting .314 with 10 home runs, but missed time due to an extended bereavement leave as well as the wrist injury. Again, playing time will be determined when Maddon has to cross that bridge. Dog days: August is known as the “dog days” in baseball, as the light at the end of the tunnel can’t quite be seen yet, and the month is also bound to bring some hot and humid playing conditions. That all changes in September, when the weather breaks and playoff races heat up. “This is the tough part of the year to play,” Maddon said. “This is the month you have to manufacture it a little bit.” And to that point, Maddon is planning a couple of lighter moments throughout August. He says one will come late in the month during a West Coast trip, but the manager wouldn’t reveal anything more than that. “We have something coming up at the middle of the month [as well],” Maddon said. “We have something that will truly illustrate that [dog days].” Maddon was asked if the front office might pull off any August deals that require players to clear waivers.

“Of course it can [happen],” Maddon said. “I don’t expect anything to happen, but of course it can.” Maddon is hopeful his offense will get a boost from Montero’s return along with Baez and Tommy La Stella – though La Stella is still working his way back from a nasty oblique injury. His missed games in the minors this week, but should play again Sunday. -- CSNChicago.com Cubs will feel the energy from a playoff push By Patrick Mooney MILWAUKEE – The Cubs began the dog days of August only one game out of a playoff spot. Cole Hamels or David Price didn’t walk through the doors of the visiting clubhouse at Miller Park, but at least the Cubs didn’t feel the same emotional letdown at the trade deadline. Those fire sales and all the roster churning could leave you looking around the room wondering: Wait, who’s that guy? The Cubs can actually see the light at the end of the tunnel now, assuming a young group that can play down to bad teams maintains focus and doesn’t slam into the rookie wall. “This is the tough month to get through,” manager Joe Maddon said before Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. “You got to show up every day and play. Everybody gets a little bit fatigued, mentally and physically.” If the Cubs needed a boost, there was a sellout crowd and Matt “I’ll Pitch on the Freaking Moon” Garza on the mound. It also looks like Anthony Rizzo is heating up again, ready to carry the offense on his shoulders. Rizzo blasted Garza’s 94 mph fastball out to right field in the third inning, a towering three-run homer that landed in the second deck. That shot gave Rizzo four home runs in his last four games – a four-game winning streak for the Cubs (56-47) – after the All-Star first baseman hit zero bombs between July 8 and July 28. “I’ve been looking forward to August all year,” Rizzo said. “We’re home for a long time. It’s hot in Chicago. We know what can happen at Wrigley when it warms up. I’ve been saying that all along to everyone: We’re going to have a big August.” Five pitches after Rizzo’s homer, Garza – an ex-Cub flipped during one of those deadline deals – hit Kris Bryant, drilling the All-Star around his elbow pad. “Garza’s not a headhunter,” said Maddon, who managed him on Tampa Bay’s 2008 World Series team. “That’s not his DNA. That’s how I knew him with the Rays. He was not the kind of guy that’s going to try to hit somebody. I think he was trying to pitch him inside. “I really believe you know when something’s intentional or not. For us, nothing was intentional.” A TV camera still caught Bryant smiling when Kyle Hendricks hit Ryan Braun with a 1-2 pitch just below the left shoulder while leading off the fourth inning. Braun wound up scoring the only run against Hendricks (5-5, 3.67 ERA), a young pitcher with pinpoint control acquired during one of those deadline deals. Hendricks pitched into the eighth inning and walked off the mound to cheers from the Cubs fans standing on their feet in Milwaukee. “We’re definitely confident,” Hendricks said. “The lineup’s coming around, guys are swinging it now. We’re keeping the runs off the board. The bullpen’s doing an unbelievable job. “We feel really confident right now against whoever we play. Just got to keep that rolling through August and September.”

Beginning Monday, the Cubs will get seven games in seven days against the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants, the two National League teams ahead of them in wild-card positions. There will be nothing routine about that, no going through the motions. “Once you get to September, if you’re in that hunt, you find the energy every day,” Maddon said. “It just shows up. The weather starts to break. It gets a little bit cooler. Plus, the idea that (you) know that you’re right there and you have this opportunity. “Energy just happens. So this is the month that you have to manufacture it a little bit. That’s the big push for us.” -- CSNChicago.com Cubs: Tommy Hunter keeps rolling and brings the 99 mph heat By Author By Patrick Mooney MILWAUKEE — Tommy Hunter could feel the adrenaline surging for his Cubs debut in front of Saturday night’s sellout crowd at Miller Park. His first two warm-up pitches flew toward the backstop. Hunter calmed down and still hit 99 mph while closing out the Milwaukee Brewers, needing only three pitches to get the final two outs and pick up the save in a 4-2 victory. The day after getting traded from the Baltimore Orioles in a deadline deal, Hunter explained his keep-it-simple approach to pitching: “When you get the ball, throw it as hard as you can.” Once the Cubs added another weapon to their bullpen, several guys who played with Hunter before gave the scouting report. Jake Arrieta called him a big teddy bear. Jason Hammel predicted the media would love him. Pedro Strop… “Pedey probably said I was crazy as s---,” Hunter said. “Well, I was a crazy son of a b---- when I was in Texas in my early days. I definitely had some of those (moments) and got it all out, though, for the most (part).” Hunter had been a first-round pick for the Rangers in 2007, spending time in the Texas rotation before getting traded to Baltimore, where he emerged as a key piece for Buck Showalter’s bullpen while the Orioles matured into a playoff team. “Pedey was there in my prime,” Hunter said. “And then I got married, a kid-on-the-way type of deal. He was there through the golden years, I guess you could say.” Hunter got rolling when a reporter asked to explain a photo on his Twitter timeline. He’s giving the thumbs-up sign near a dude wearing a “KEEP CALM WE GOT TOMMY HUNTER” T-shirt. “I hate to say it, but his daughter is pretty attractive,” Hunter said. “I was like the team goat, because we were trying to hook the daughter up with our bullpen catcher, so I worked for like a year to try to do that. “Every day, during stretch, in the fifth inning, I’d go over there and try to talk to her and see how interested she was in (him). The dad started talking about hunting one day. And then when he started doing that, I’d start going over there just to listen to some of the dad’s stories. “Season-ticket holders, hot daughter and our bullpen coach who’s single. “Now you guys know the real story.” This must be why Hunter is so popular inside the clubhouse, coming across as completely comfortable in his own skin, able to relate to all different types of people.

But Hunter turned serious when he talked about growing up in Indianapolis, where his mother has been battling kidney cancer, undergoing radiation and recovering from a recent surgical procedure. “Three hours away, man, it’s going to be really cool,” Hunter said. “She’s going to be coming up. I’m pretty excited about that. It’s a good chance right here for me to be close — and have a chance to win.” -- CSNChicago.com Miguel Montero’s future unclear as Schwarber sticks with Cubs By Patrick Mooney MILWAUKEE — Cubs manager Joe Maddon confirmed the obvious: Kyle Schwarber is here to stay. That keeps the fast-track catcher on a collision course with Miguel Montero, a two-time All-Star about to begin his rehab assignment with Double-A Tennessee. The Cubs can’t send Schwarber back to Triple-A Iowa when he’s hitting .338 with a .997 OPS. “We want his bat in the lineup,” Maddon said even before Schwarber had a big impact on Saturday’s 4-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. “He’s done a nice job behind the plate, too. He’s shown versatility by playing in the outfield. “I’d like to believe he’s here for awhile.” That will leave Montero in another awkward position, with the Cubs already carrying David Ross to be Jon Lester’s personal catcher, a clubhouse leader and a quasi-coach (with another guaranteed season on his contract for 2016). Remember, it took until late May before the Cubs finally traded catcher Welington Castillo to the Seattle Mariners. Castillo wound up getting flipped to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the team that cleared payroll space by trading Montero to the Cubs for two pitching prospects at the winter meetings. “Well, at this point, to be honest, (with) the way the season started, I’m not surprised about anything,” Montero said. Montero speaks directly and says what’s on his mind. The Cubs wanted that edge to push their pitching staff and change their clubhouse culture. The Cubs still owe Montero $28 million across the next two seasons, which would make him an expensive part for a three-catcher rotation (or a potential trade chip to create more financial flexibility). “Of course, when I came here, I expected to play every day,” Montero said. “I don’t think you want to pay that much money to a guy to bench him. “But that’s not my job. My job is to play and do what I’m capable of doing.” At the time the Cubs acquired Montero, Schwarber had only played 72 games in professional baseball after getting drafted No. 4 overall out of Indiana University last year. There are still questions about whether or not Schwarber can be the long-term answer at catcher, but he has to be in the discussion about next year’s Opening Day roster. Schwarber got a taste in June as a designated hitter for interleague play and took advantage of another opportunity when Montero sprained his left thumb just before the All-Star break.

“This is a business, man, so anything can happen,” Montero said. “I don’t know what they’re thinking. I don’t know what they’re going to do. So like I said before, my job is just to come here and compete. “Whenever I’m in the lineup, do my best. And if I’m not, try to help my teammates. “Of course, I would like to be in the lineup. But I can’t control that.” Schwarber launched his fourth home run on Saturday night, but his game-changing sequence came with two outs in the third inning. Schwarber worked an 11-pitch at-bat, lining Matt Garza’s 96 mph fastball into center field for a single. That patience combined with Chris Coghlan’s walk helped set up Anthony Rizzo’s three-run homer. “I’m going to keep working my butt off to stay up here,” Schwarber said. At the age of 32, Montero still feels like he can catch every day, once he gets healthy again. He accounted for at least 1,000 innings behind the plate in each of the previous four seasons. He’s hitting .230 with 10 homers and 32 RBI this year. It should also be pointed out that Montero worked closely with Castillo and developed a reputation as a good leader for the Diamondbacks, looking after young players from Latin America, taking them to Phoenix Suns games and out to dinner. Montero would even watch minor-league games during spring training, believing prospects should feel comfortable and part of the organization. “That’s not going to change,” Montero said, framing his relationship with Schwarber. “It ain’t his fault. So why am I going to take it out on him? It ain’t his fault. I want him to be the best that he can be. And he’s got the potential to be really good.” -- CSNChicago.com Sports Business Minute: Kris Bryant breaks rookie jersey sales record By CSN Staff The MLB Players Association began tracking jersey sales in earnest for the first time in 2010, and what an impact it's had since. Madison Bumgarner, who had one of the best postseasons of all-time during last year's World Series run with the San Francisco Giants, is the top vote-getter in jersey sales this season from Opening Day to the All-Star Game. No. 2 on that list? Chicago's very-own Kris Bryant, who has set the record for most jersey sales by a rookie since it began being logged six years ago. Of course, that's good for the Cubs, but here's why CSN Sports Business Insider Rick Horrow believes it's just as good, if not better, for the MLB. Six of the top 10 jersey sales are players under the age of 26 — including Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, among others — which means "baseball [is] clearly getting younger on the field, and the superstar [is] making the demographics look younger as well," Horrow said. --

Chicago Tribune Anthony Rizzo giving Cubs offense a boost just when it's needed By Mark Gonzales Anthony Rizzo is providing Joe Maddon with a cure for his August concerns. Anthony Rizzo's recent power surge could ease manager Joe Maddon's concerns about the challenges the Cubs face in August. Rizzo hit his fourth home run in as many games — a three-run shot off former teammate Matt Garza — to pace the Cubs to a 4-2 victory over the Brewers on Saturday night at Miller Park. Rizzo's recent surge, which rookie Kyle Schwarber supplemented with a solo shot, is helping to reverse many of the offensive struggles the Cubs experienced during July, when they batted .222 with a .303 on-base percentage. Before Saturday night's game, Maddon said he didn't expect the Cubs to add a hitter in August but believed Javier Baez, Tommy La Stella or both could give the offense a lift. "(Baez) can be very impactful," said Maddon, who was very happy the Triple-A infielder wasn't dealt before Friday's trade deadline. Maddon's current obsession now is keeping his team sharp. "I like where we are at right now because this is the tough month to get through — August," Maddon said. "And you have to show up every day and play. Everyone gets fatigued mentally and physically. "Once you get to September, once you're in that hunt, you find the energy every day. It just shows up. The weather starts to break, and it gets a little bit cooler. But you show up and know you're right there and have this opportunity, and energy just happens. "(August) is a month you have to manufacture a little bit, and that's the big push for us — just to manufacture the energy on a daily basis." For his part, Rizzo loves August. "I've been looking forward to August all year, to be honest," Rizzo said. "We're home for a long time. It's hot in Chicago, and I enjoy the heat." Rizzo has supplied the power the last few days in a meaningful manner. His two-run homer Wednesday provided enough of a cushion for Jon Lester in a 3-2 victory over the Rockies. Rizzo's three-run homer erased a 2-0 deficit in the seventh inning Thursday, and his homer Friday provided insurance in a 4-1 triumph. Rizzo's homer Saturday gave Kyle Hendricks a cushion for alleged retaliation after Garza nailed Kris Bryant following Rizzo's home run in the third inning and then threw an 0-2 fastball under the chin of Addison Russell in the fourth. Hendricks nailed slugger Ryan Braun to start the bottom of the fourth, and Braun went on to score on Khris Davis' single. Television cameras caught Bryant, who batted .168 with 37 strikeouts in July, smiling. Meanwhile, Maddon is striving to keep his team loose and hasn't been consumed yet with the showdowns this week against the Pirates and Giants, fellow wild-card playoff contenders.

His priorities are to keep the focus on each day's game and to keep his players, including many who haven't experienced a playoff race, relaxed. Maddon, who hired a magician to perform before a game nearly five weeks ago to help relieve tension, was scheming of another gimmick to relax his players. Thus the Cubs will have a "onesie"-themed trip to San Francisco and Los Angeles at the end of the month. "(Baseball) is fun and games," Maddon said. "It's not life and death. You wanted to do this since you were 6 or 5 or 4. You get this opportunity to be a major-league player. You might as well enjoy it. It's a finite shelf life. It doesn't last forever. So to go about it improperly makes no sense at all." -- Chicago Tribune Saturday's recap: Cubs 4, Brewers 2 By Mark Gonzales Anthony Rizzo hit his fourth home run in four games — a three-run blast off former Cubs teammate Matt Garza in the third inning — and rookie Kyle Schwarber hit a solo shot in the seventh Saturday night at Miller Park to help the Cubs to a 4-2 victory over the Brewers, their fourth straight overall. Pivotal at-bat Schwarber fouled off six pitches before singling off Garza to start the rally in the third. Schwarber never lost focus as Garza took lengthy breaks between pitches. Cruise control Kyle Hendricks relied on pinpoint control to retire Ryan Braun and Adam Lind on called third strikes to end the first. Hendricks struck out Hernan Perez to work out of a jam in the fourth as preserved the bullpen with seven-plus innings. Good glove Jorge Soler leaped above the right field fence to rob Khris Davis of a two-run homer in the ninth. Key number 3 — Times the Cubs (56-47) have been nine games above .500. The quote "One door closes and another one opens, you put your foot in and see what happens. This is how I approach things." — reliever Tommy Hunter Up next At Brewers, 1:10 p.m. Sunday, ABC-7. -- Chicago Tribune Kyle Schwarber, Tommy Hunter invigorate Cubs' postseason push By Mark Gonzales Rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber gained instant attention in June with his bat.

But Tommy Hunter caused his teammates to do a double-take Saturday night when his second pitch as a member of the Chicago Cubs was clocked at 99 mph. “It shocked me just a little bit,” manager Joe Maddon said after Hunter, with the help of some adrenaline, nearly touched the century mark on a pitch to Hernan Perez before earning the save in a 4-2 at Milwaukee. Hunter’s save occurred one day after he was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for outfielder Junior Lake. Slugger Anthony Rizzo expressed relief that the trade deadline passed without the Cubs losing any of the core players who were on the opening day roster. And the additions of Schwarber, who started a rally with a 10-pitch at-bat that concluded with a single against veteran Matt Garza, and Hunter enhance the Cubs’ chances of earning a National League wild card berth. Schwarber validated Maddon’s intent to keep him on the roster when Miguel Montero returns from a minor league rehabilitation assignment. Schwarber, who had six hits in his first two starts for the Cubs in June, has maintained his stroke since being recalled to replace Montero after the All-Star break. Schwarber capped his performance with a home run in the seventh. Maddon marveled over Schwarber’s patience, especially during his 11-pitch at-bat against Garza, who worked at a deliberate pace. “I’m trying to stick to my approach and keep it simple,” said Schwarber, who is batting .338 with four home runs and 13 RBIs in his first 22 games. “Just be patient but aggressive and tell myself to get my pitch.” Before the game, Schwarber talked to Hunter about his array of pitches. But Schwarber was surprised to learn that Hunter’s second pitch was clocked at 99 mph. “That’s probably the first time (I’ve caught a 99 mph fastball),” Schwarber said. “I heard he had some good velocity.” Hunter admitted he felt an adrenaline rush when he took the mound and was a little nervous as he pointed to his stomach. But he was grateful that Maddon trusted him to get the final two outs and earn his first save since May 9, 2014 with Baltimore (Hunter blew a save opportunity in the ninth the following game). Hunter became reunited with former Orioles teammates Jake Arrieta, Pedro Strop and Jason Hammel but didn’t feel entirely comfortable when he witnessed the Cubs’ festive post-game clubhouse celebration. “When you see it for the first time, you got to see it and soak it all in,” said Hunter who was impressed by the celebration. “Maybe I’ll be more into it next time.” -- Chicago Tribune August suits Anthony Rizzo By Mark Gonzales Anthony Rizzo said he’s been looking forward to August because of the hot weather and that the Cubs will be playing in Chicago for nearly three consecutive weeks.

Rizzo backed up his excitement at the plate with his fourth home run in as many games as he continued his domination of the Milwaukee Brewers in a 4-2 win Saturday night at Miller Park. “I’ve been saying that all along to everyone,” Rizzo said. “We’re going to have a big August as a team and individually. We’re home for a while, and we’re off to a good start.” This marked the first time Rizzo has hit home runs in four consecutive games as he reached the 20-homer mark for the first time in his career. Rizzo has hit 13 homers against the Brewers – the most against any opponent. Nine of those homers have been hit at Miller Park. Before the game, Cubs manager Joe Maddon expressed some concern about the month of August because of the mental and physical challenges and said he stresses to his players to relax. Rizzo provided some relaxation with his homer off Matt Garza. “Those are the kind of moments that can get you on the roll you’re looking for,” Maddon said. “To come back and win this game the way we did was outstanding.” Rizzo has hit two of his past four home runs off left-handers. The Cubs’ record for most consecutive games with at least one home run is five – held by Hack Wilson (1928), Ryne Sandberg (1989) and Sammy Sosa (1998). After Rizzo’s homer, Kris Bryant was hit by a pitch from Matt Garza who buzzed Addison Russell on an 0-2 pitch in the top of the fourth before Russell flied to center. In the bottom of the fourth, Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks hit Brewers slugger Ryan Braun. Televisions cameras caught Bryant smiling. But Maddon shunned the notion that Garza intentionally hit Bryant. “Garza is not a head hunter,” said Maddon, who managed Garza in Tampa Bay from 2008 to 2010. “He’s not. That’s not his DNA. That’s how I knew him with the Rays. He was not the kind of guy who would hit somebody. He was trying to pitch inside.” -- Chicago Tribune When Miguel Montero returns to Cubs, Kyle Schwarber will stay By Mark Gonzales Miguel Montero will start his minor-league rehabilitation assignment Sunday at Double-A Tennessee, but rookie sensation Kyle Schwarber won't be sent down when Montero returns from a left thumb sprain. "It would be hard to do," manager Joe Maddon said Saturday. "(Schwarber) is hitting second, you want his bat in the lineup. He has done a nice job behind the plate. "He has shown versatility, too, playing in the outfield. I'd like to believe he's here for a while." Close to home: Newly-acquired reliever Tommy Hunter was very happy to be traded to the Cubs, and not just because he joins a playoff contender. Hunter revealed that his mother was diagnosed with kidney cancer one month ago and has undergone several surgeries and radiation treatment. Hunter spent the All-Star break with his mother in Indianapolis and she plans to attend his games at Wrigley Field when time and health permit. "It's a good chance for me to be close and have a chance to win," Hunter said. "That's more important right now."

Hunter, 29, took some playful ribbing from teammate Pedro Strop, who knew him from their days with the Orioles. But Hunter said he since has settled down with a wife and child. "The older you get, the less you do at night," Hunter said. Rondon recharged: Hector Rondon said being pulled from the closer's role in early June helped him improve and become a better reliever when he returned to save situations. "In those moments, I didn't have that control," said Rondon, who had converted saves in three consecutive games entering Saturday. "But right now. I feel comfortable. My mind is strong. That's a good part for me." Rondon said he regained his comfort level when Maddon took him out of the closer's role, adding his mind and right arm are refreshed. Extra innings: Left-hander Clayton Richard will start Sunday's game. Dan Haren is lined up to make his Cubs debut Wednesday night at Pittsburgh. … Reliever Yoervis Medina was optioned to Triple-A Iowa. … The Cubs will have a "onesie"-themed trip when they visit San Francisco and Los Angeles this month. -- Chicago Sun-Times Cubs considering Chase for Utley By Gordon Wittenmyer MILWAUKEE – The Cubs aren’t done looking for players to help down the stretch, and sources say one of the players they’ve discussed internally as a potential August waiver-period target is Phillies second baseman Chase Utley. That would have to involve cash going to the Cubs to offset the $5 million or so that would be left on Utley’s contract, a source confirmed. Either way, it looks like a long shot at this point, if only because of all the variables in play. At least two other teams are said to have interest in Utley, according to reports, including the Los Angeles Angels. He has full no-trade rights, but it’s been reported he might waive them for a chance to play for a contender. After acquiring starting pitcher Dan Haren and reliever Tommy Hunter Friday, team president suggested the possibility of continuing to pursue hitting help. “That might be more of an August thing for us,” he said. “If the need is there and the opportunity presents itself, we’re always open to a position player.” After Friday’s non-waiver trade deadline, teams can make trades in August through the waiver process (a team granted its claim on a waived player gets a narrow window to make a deal before the other team must decide whether to pull the player back from waivers). Any player who clears waivers can be traded freely; any player pulled back is ineligible to be traded during the period. Utley, 36, is on the disabled list because of an ankle injury he had played through until late June and that has been blamed for his .179 half-season. He reportedly is close to starting a “brief” minor-league rehab assignment, during which teams can evaluate his fitness and skills for themselves. An upside to his six weeks on the disabled list for any potential suitor is that the six-time All-Star isn’t likely to reach the 500 plate appearances required to trigger his vesting contract option for 2016 ($15 million). An Utley move would obviously signal a middle-infield shuffle for the Cubs that could be coming regardless, if shortstop Starlin Castro continues to slump.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon on Saturday touted the potential for AAA shortstop Javy Baez to have an impact for the Cubs down the stretch. As for adding anyone from the outside this month, Maddon wasn’t counting on anything. “Of course it can [happen], but I don’t expect anything,” Maddon said. “We got the pitchers we were looking for. Of course they can do something, but conversationally this is pretty much what we have talked about.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Heel! Rizzo embraces dog days, powers Cubs into August By Gordon Wittenmyer MILWAUKEE – August is supposed to be the month baseball players dread. “This is the tough month to get through,” Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. “Everybody gets a little bit fatigued, mentally and physically.” Unless you’re Anthony Rizzo. “I feel good,” the Cubs slugger said after he homered in his fourth consecutive game to pace the Cubs to a 4-2 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on Saturday night. “I’ve been looking forward to August all year to be honest. We’re home for a long time; it’s hot in Chicago in August, and I really enjoy the hot weather. “And we know what can happen at Wrigley when it warms up. I’ve been saying that all along to everyone: We’re going to have a big August as a team. And we’re off to a good start tonight.” Thanks in large part to Rizzo, whose home run streak is the longest for a Cub since Sammy Sosa homered in five straight in 1998 – and halfway to the major-league record held by three players (Dale Long, 1956; Don Mattingly, 1987; Ken Griffey Jr., 1993). “Those are the kind of moments that can really get you on the roll that you’re looking for,” manager Joe Maddon said of the two-out rally that Rizzo capped with his three-run homer in the third. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Cubs also won for the fourth consecutive game – a streak that put them on the brink of catching the Giants in the race for the National League’s second wild-card spot until the Giants’ late-inning comeback win against Texas Saturday night. Rizzo, who had been slumping, suddenly is 8-for-14 starting with the first homer in the streak, Wednesday at home – driving in nine of the Cubs’ 15 runs in that span. “He’s been leading us – the last four games for sure,” said starting pitcher Kyle Hendricks (5-5), who pitched into the eighth inning to earn his first victory since July 5. “Hitting home runs, playing defense, doing whatever it takes. “He’s one of the guys in the middle of the order we need that from, so it’s been fun to watch.” The Rizzo streak and winning streak coincides with the passing of Friday’s trade deadline, and acquisitions of starting pitcher Dan Haren and hard-throwing reliever Tommy Hunter. Haren, acquired from the Marlins for two minor leaguers, arrived to join the team about game time Saturday, and he makes his Cubs debut in a start Wednesday in Pittsburgh. Hunter, acquired from Baltimore for outfielder Junior Lake, wasted no time – and held nothing back – making his debut with one out and a runner at third in the ninth inning Saturday, the Cubs leading by three.

After a first-pitch breaking ball that the Brewers’ Jean Segura grounded to second for a run-scoring out, Hunter unleashed a fastball to Hernan Perez that registered a 99 on the scoreboard radar display. He got Perez on a game-ending fly to right with the next pitch. “I’ve seen him uup there, but that kind of shocked me just a little bit,” Maddon said of the 99-mph pitch – 2-3 mph more than he’s used to seeing from Hunter’s fastball. “That’s probably a little bit of adrenaline going on right there.” Hunter: “Oh, yeah. Little stomach [flutters]. First two pitches I throw warming up go to the backstop, and then [Segura] swings at the first pitch. Thank you. “Get the first one out of the way, and hopefully some of the jitters go away and then come back out. “Winning – it’s fun, man.” Before Hunter’s heat-seeking performance, right-fielder Jorge Soler made the defensive play of the game, leaping at the wall to catch Khris Davis’ drive just above the yellow padding to rob him of a two-run homer that would have made it a one-run game with nobody out. “Huge,” Maddon said. “Difference maker. Big difference maker.” With the calendar turning to August, two pitchers added for the stretch run at the deadline and the team on a mini-streak, Hendricks said emotionally and energetically, “Everything’s high. We’re definitely confident. … “We really feel confident now against whoever we play. We’ve just got to keep that rolling through August and September.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Schwarber fast track creates $28 million question for Cubs By Gordon Wittenmyer MILWAUKEE – With rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber looking more like an everyday player every week, what does that mean for the Cubs’ catching plans once Miguel Montero gets back from the disabled list in the next week or so – not to mention heading into next season? The question has not been lost on Montero, the two-time All-Star with two years and $28 million left on his contract after this season. “Of course, when I came here I expected to play every day,” said Montero, who caught more games than anybody else in baseball the four seasons leading up to his December trade from the Arizona Diamondbacks. “I don’t think you want to pay that much money to a guy to bench him. Especially when I’ve got two years left making … [$14 million each year]. “But that’s not my job. My job is to play and do what I’m capable of doing.” Montero, 32, opened the season as part of a three-man catching rotation until Welington Castillo’s trade to Seattle in May. He has continued to sit against lefties and when Jon Lester pitches (to his personal catcher David Ross). Since Montero went on the DL with a sprained thumb three weeks ago, his playing-time potential took another hit with the ascension of Schwarber. Schwarber had another big game in Saturday’s 4-2 victory over the rival Brewers, including a walk, a late homer and in between an 11-pitch at-bat that resulted in a two-out single that opened a three-run rally.

Anthony Rizzo capped that rally with a homer in his fourth consecutive game as the Cubs earned a fourth straight victory to tie their season high-water mark of nine games over .500. “Everyone’s feeling good, so we’ve just got to keep the good vibe going,” Rizzo said. How does Montero fit into that vibe? Even before Saturday’s game, in which Schwarber caught an impressive seven-plus-inning start from Kyle Hendricks, manager Joe Maddon stated the obvious: that the club plans to keep Schwarber on the roster even after Montero returns from the DL. “We want his bat in the lineup,” the manager said. “He’s done a nice job behind the plate, too. He’s shown versatility by playing in the outfield. He’ll be here for a while.” Montero sees the handwriting on the wall. “It’s not my decision. But I still feel I’m still capable of catching every day,” he said. “If I still feel that way I think I should, you know, play, but I don’t know what’s going to be. I can’t think for them.” Montero has never complained about his playing time or expressed anything short of a desire to help the team in its playoff push. But just two months into the season a source close to Montero said he was frustrated with his playing time and “already wants out.” “My job is to come here and compete and do my job,” said Montero (.230, 10 homers). “Whenever I’m in the lineup do my best, and if I’m not, try to help my teammates some other way. Of course, I would like to be in the lineup. But I can’t control that.” With Schwarber in the Cubs’ plans for the opening roster next April, and with more big ideas for big-ticket pitching in the off-season, the Cubs have a $28 million decision to make with Montero over the next five months. For now, he wants return as quickly as possible from the rehab stint he starts Sunday and add what he expects to be a recharged bat to the mix — And to help Schwarber any way he can. “It ain’t his fault,” Montero said. “So why would I take it out on him? I want him to be the best that he can be, and he’s got the potential to be really good.” As for his own future with the team? “At this point, to be honest, the way the season has started,” he said, “I [wouldn’t be] surprised about anything.” -- Chicago Sun-Times Anthony Rizzo hits fourth homer in four games By David Just Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo went yard again Saturday. The white-hot slugger now has one home run in each of the Cubs’ last four games. It’s the most consecutive games with a home run since Sammy Sosa had five in a row in 1998. The four straight games with homers is a career best for Rizzo, who now has 20 home runs this season.

His homer Saturday was a three-run blast in the third inning against the Brewers at Miller Park. -- Daily Herald Chicago Cubs trades are stabalizers, not blockbusters By Connor McKnight All summer long it was clear the Cubs needed to trade for starting pitching. Up against the deadline and seemingly having explored the potential of adding controllable arms at the expense of some of their prized young hitters, the Cubs added Dan Haren to the rotation and Tommy Hunter to the bullpen. No, those names don't set the world on fire. The idea here is that Haren and Hunter become stabilizing forces for a roster that's being counted on to find itself. Joe Maddon has used five different starters in an effort to round out the rotation. At worst, Haren is a guy who can eat innings and shoulder some of the workload the bullpen has had to withstand after subpar starts from guys like Dallas Beeler and Clayton Richard. Haren is on leader boards in two stats. At the deadline, his 21 starts leave him tied with a host of others, with the second most starts in baseball. The guys takes the baseball and lasts a while; Haren's gone at least six innings in 17 of those 21 starts. Unfortunately, Haren has surrendered 21 home runs this season. Only seven pitchers have allowed more. The hope is that Haren's luck holds out. His fastball velocity has dipped to the mid-80s and he's giving up fly balls at an alarming rate -- not great for warm, windy Wrigley. If the best effect he has on the club is eating innings to give just a little more rest to a bullpen every fifth day, it's better than what Maddon had to work with before. Sure, the haul could have been bigger. VP Theo Epstein said he was looking primarily at two players, neither of whom moved, and are both controllable beyond the 2015 season. Pretty easy to piece together widespread reports of Padres' starter Tyson Ross and Indians starter Carlos Carrasco as the two players. While many wanted those names, or perhaps even bigger, it would have taken big pieces to get them. (Of note, most of the prospects moved in the last few days were pitchers -- not something the Cubs have much of). There's a move that wasn't made, however, that needs some attention. Starlin Castro remains a Cub. With each assurance made to Castro about his place on the team, another report surfaced about his imminent inclusion in any big deal. Whether the Cubs overplayed their hand including Castro in trade talks almost irrelevant. The fact is, selling a short stop in a career-worst season at age 25 is near impossible. There was no reason to rush him off the team, either. His value can only go up from rock-bottom. If Epstein and Jed Hoyer are bent on moving him, better to wait until the offseason. Even a game from a wild card spot and playoff contention tantalizingly close, the most important thing is letting the roster -- the kids -- find themselves at the major league level. Connor McKnight can be heard regularly on WGN 720-AM. He hosts The Beat, on Saturdays from 3-7 p.m. --

Daily Herald With 4-2 win, Chicago Cubs begin new month in august fashion By Bruce Miles MILWAUKEE -- The Cubs woke up Saturday, and suddenly, August was upon them. Whether this turns out to be an august month for the Cubs will depend on how they do against some stiff competition and tough series. They got the dog days off on the right foot Saturday night, beating the Milwaukee Brewers 4-2 at Miller Park for their third win in three games of the series and their fourth in a row overall. The red-hot Anthony Rizzo again was a big reason for the victory. Rizzo hit a 3-run homer with two outs in the third inning. It was his 20th of the season, and he has homered in four consecutive games. "I've been looking forward to August all year, to be honest," he said. "We're home for a long time. It's hot in Chicago in August. We enjoy the hot weather. We know what can happen at Wrigley when it warms up." The kinds of streaks Rizzo is in can carry a team down the stretch. "Absolutely," said manager Joe Maddon, whose Cubs matched their high-water mark of nine games over .500 (56-47). "Those are the kind of moments that can really get you on the roll you're looking for." The Brewers got a run in the fourth inning, but Kyle Schwarber got it back with a booming home run to right-center in the seventh. He helped set the table for Rizzo's home run with an 11-pitch at-bat that culminated in a two-out single in the third On the mound, the Cubs got 7-plus innings, of 3-hit ball from Kyle Hendricks. He improved to 5-5 with a 3.67 ERA and gained his first victory since July 5. He, too, likes the mood of the team. "Everything's high," he said. "We're definitely confident. The lineup's coming around. Guys are swinging it now. We're keeping the runs off the board. The bullpen's doing an unbelievable job, so we feel really confident now. We've just got to keep that rolling through August and September." The schedule will toughen considerably beginning Monday, when they travel to Pittsburgh for a three-game series. The Cubs currently are third in the National League Central behind the Cardinals and Pirates. Featured series this month include two against the Giants, whom the Cubs are trying to stay with in the race for the second wild-card spot. The Cubs also play the Dodgers and the White Sox this month. "I like the idea of where we are at right now because it's such a tough month to get through -- August," said Maddon. "But you've got to show up every day and play. Everybody gets a little bit fatigued mentally and physically. "I explained it to the guys: Once you get to September and you're in the hunt, you find the energy every day. It just shows up. The weather starts to break. It's a little bit cooler. Plus the idea that you show up and you know that you're right there and you have this opportunity, energy just happens. "This is the month you have to manufacture it a little bit, and that's the big push for us, to manufacture the energy on a daily basis."

However, Maddon said he is not looking forward to any series except the one the Cubs currently are playing. That goes for the Giants, too. "I don't," he said. "I didn't even realize we were playing them. I know I'm so disappointing sometimes, but I don't (think ahead to series). It's about today. It's about winning tonight's game and be ready to move on to the next one and so on and so forth. I like the idea that we're playing better. That's what I'm really focused on." -- Daily Herald Chicago Cubs Hunter pressed into quick action By Bruce Miles MILWAUKEE -- The Cubs officially added pitchers Dan Haren and Tommy Hunter to their roster Saturday, one day after trading for them. Hunter was decked out in Cubs blue -- except for his black and orange Baltimore Orioles shoes -- and ready to do what he does best. "When you get the ball, throw it as hard as you can and hopefully strike people out," he said. "I don't think it really needs to be said. I'm just here to fit in and do whatever I can whether it's the second inning or 11th inning. I'm just going to try to get outs and try to help this team make it to the postseason." Hunter did that Saturday, getting the final two outs of the game to earn the save in a 4-2 Cubs victory over the Brewers. He reached 99 mph on the Miller Park radar gun. "Winning, man," he said afterward. "It's fun." The Cubs obtained the 29-year-old right-handed reliever from the Orioles on Friday in exchange for minor-league outfielder Junior Lake. In 39 games with Baltimore, he was 2-2 with a 3.63 ERA. Among those giving Hunter a hug were former Orioles teammates and now-Cubs teammates Jake Arrieta, Jason Hammel and Pedro Strop. They kiddingly said Hunter was crazy. "I don't know what they all said about me, but I'm sure you can believe everything they say," Hunter admitted. "I think the older you get, the less you can do late at night. I was a crazy (so-and-so) when I was in Texas in my early days. I definitely had some of those and got it all out, though -- pretty much, sometimes." On a more serious note, Hunter said he's happy to be closer to his family in Indianapolis. His mother is undergoing treatment for kidney cancer. "It was pretty rough," he said. "She's going through some surgeries now, and she had a good one (Friday), and it was successful. She's going through radiation and doing all of that. We found out maybe two months ago. It was bad timing at the time. "I went home at the all-star break and it was huge for me personally." The kid is staying: Catcher Miguel Montero headed out to Class AA Tennessee Saturday to begin an injury-rehab assignment. Montero is on the disabled list with a left-thumb injury. When Montero comes back, it's not likely the Cubs will send rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber back to Class AAA Iowa.

"It would be hard to do that; it would be very difficult," said manager Joe Maddon. "This guy hitting second, you want his bat in the lineup. He's done a nice job behind the plate, too. He's shown versatility by playing in the outfield. Yeah, I'd like to believe he's here for a while." This and that: Pitcher Dan Haren will make his Cubs debut Wednesday at Pittsburgh. The Cubs obtained Haren on Friday in a trade with Miami … Outfielder Mike Baxter has cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Class AAA Iowa. The Cubs designated him for assignment last week. -- Cubs.com With another homer, Rizzo halfway to history By Carrie Muskat MILWAUKEE -- Look out, Dale Long, Don Mattingly and Ken Griffey Jr. Anthony Rizzo is heating up. Rizzo smacked his fourth homer in as many games, a three-run shot in the third, to power the Cubs to a 4-2 victory Saturday night over the Brewers. It was the Cubs' fourth straight win, and Rizzo notched his 20th home run, the third time in his young career that he's reached that mark. The Major League record for consecutive games with a homer is eight, shared by Long (1956), Mattingly (1987) and Griffey (1993). Rizzo is the first Cubs player to homer in four straight games since Alfonso Soriano did so April 30 to May 4, 2010. "Those are the kind of moments that can get you on the roll you're looking for," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said of Rizzo, who is batting .306 on the road and has hit 14 of his home runs away from Wrigley Field. "He's been leading us the last four games for sure," Cubs starter Kyle Hendricks said. "He's one of the guys in the middle of the order who we need that from. He's fun to watch." Give rookie Kyle Schwarber credit for wearing out Brewers starter Matt Garza in the third. With two outs, Schwarber outdueled Garza in an 11-pitch at-bat, eventually hitting a single to center. Garza then walked Chris Coghlan on four pitches, and Rizzo crushed a fastball to right field. "Having that at-bat [by Schwarber] obviously was a let down for Garza," Rizzo said. Before Saturday's game, Maddon said the month of August will be a key test for the young Cubs, who are chasing the Pirates and Giants in the Wild Card race. "I've been looking forward to August the whole year," Rizzo said. "We're home for a long time. It's hot in August. I enjoy the hot weather. We know what can happen at Wrigley when it warms up. I've been saying that all along to everyone -- we're going to have a big August." Look out, National League. "We have to keep this good vibe going," Rizzo said. --

Cubs.com Rizzo continues to torment Brewers By Carrie Muskat and Brandon Curry MILWAUKEE -- Anthony Rizzo belted his fourth homer in as many games, a three-run shot in the third, and rookie Kyle Schwarber added a solo home run to power the Cubs to a 4-2 victory Saturday night over the Brewers for their fourth straight win. Kyle Hendricks scattered four hits over seven-plus innings for the win, his first since July 5. In his 21 starts, the right-hander has 11 no-decisions, the most by any pitcher in the Majors. The Cubs are keeping pace in the National League Wild Card race. "We're definitely confident," Hendricks said. "Guys are swinging it now. We're keeping runs off the board. We feel really confident right now against who we're playing. We have to keep that rolling through August and September." Matt Garza took the loss against his former team and manager. The right-hander gave up four hits over six innings, including Rizzo's blast. The Brewers now have lost seven of their last eight games, scoring 11 runs with one homer in that stretch. MOMENTS THAT MATTERED 20-20 vision: Rizzo is the first Cubs player to homer in four straight games since Alfonso Soriano did so April 30-May 4, 2010. However, Schwarber should probably get an assist. With two out in the third, Schwarber battled Garza in an 11-pitch at-bat and eventually singled. Garza then walked Chris Coghlan and Rizzo then launched the first pitch he saw to right for his 20th home run and a 3-0 lead. It was his 13th career homer against the Brewers, the most against any team. "Those are the kind of moments that can get you on the roll you're looking for," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. Small ball: The Brewers scraped a run across in the fourth when Khris Davis poked a 3-2 pitch into center field off Hendricks. Ryan Braun opened the inning reaching base via a hit by pitch, moved to second on Adam Lind's fielder's choice and then scored on Davis' poke. Milwaukee's offense has nosedived after a hot start in July, scoring a meager 17 runs in its last 10 games. "I don't think we're playing poorly, we're just not swinging the bats well enough," Brewers manager Craig Counsell said. Kid stuff: Schwarber has only played seven games at Wrigley Field, but so far, he's done much better on the road. With his fourth home run with two outs in the seventh, the rookie is now batting .382 (21-for-55) on the road, which includes going 13-for-26 in seven games in his home state of Ohio against the Reds and Indians. Veteran catcher Miguel Montero begins a rehab assignment on Sunday, but when he returns, Schwarber is going to stay. Maddon said Saturday he wants to keep the rookie's bat in the lineup. "I'm going to keep working my butt off to stay up here and help contribute to this team win," Schwarber said. Damage control: Rizzo's homer was the big blow to Garza's outing, but the right-hander found himself having to escape multiple jams. In the sixth, he walked Kris Bryant with one out and Jorge Soler followed with a single. Garza was able to escape by inducing a ground out off the bat of Starlin Castro and striking out Hendricks. Garza issued four free passes in six innings of work.

QUOTABLE "My stuff was fine. I was throwing the ball really hard and I was spotting it. Just one pitch. Like I said, that's the way the year is going." -- Garza, on his performance "I've been looking forward to August the whole year. We're home for a long time. It's hot in August. I enjoy the hot weather. We know what can happen at Wrigley when it warms up. I've been saying that all along to everyone -- we're going to have a big August." – Rizzo SOUND SMART WITH YOUR FRIENDS The Cubs are 39-10 in 49 games when the starting pitcher posts a quality start, and 13-32 in the games when they do not. Cubs starters have a 29-5 record and 1.50 ERA in the 49 quality starts. WELCOME New Cubs reliever Tommy Hunter made his debut in the ninth inning, and he retired the two batters he faced to pick up his first save since May 9, 2014. The right-hander was 0-for-1 in save situations this season with the Orioles. WHAT'S NEXT Cubs: Clayton Richard will be called on to start the series finale against the Brewers. This will be Richard's fourth start with the Cubs. The lefty's last outing with the Cubs was July 20, when he gave up three runs over 5 2/3 innings against the Reds. He's made four starts at Miller Park, and he is 1-2 with a 6.75 ERA. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. CT. Brewers: Kyle Lohse survived the non-waiver Trade Deadline and will start for Milwaukee in the series finale on Sunday. The right-hander has been bitten by the long ball this season, having allowed at least one homer in 18 of his 21 starts. Lohse did manage to reach the seventh inning in his last outing, but it was just the third time since May 15. Watch every out-of-market regular-season game live on MLB.TV. -- Cubs.com Schwarber's approach impressing Maddon By Carrie Muskat MILWAUKEE -- Kyle Schwarber passed more tests Saturday night in his crash course on how to play in the big leagues. The rookie hit his fourth big league home run in the Cubs' 4-2 victory over the Brewers, but he also battled starter Matt Garza in an 11-pitch at-bat, and coaxed relievers Jason Motte and newcomer Tommy Hunter in a stressful ninth. The long at-bat against Garza came with two outs in the third and helped set up Anthony Rizzo's three-run homer. Cubs manager Joe Maddon liked Schwarber's approach with each pitch. "He's going through the same thing over and over again," Maddon said. "He's not in a rush, he's not in a hurry. He's just, 'I'm ready to hit on the next pitch.' You don't see a lot of guys have that method at the plate at such a young age. He did a lot of good things behind the plate today, too. He had himself a nice day. "Every pitch is a new adventure for him, and that's how a hitter should approach an at-bat, and he does," Maddon said.

It was an adventurous at-bat against Garza as Schwarber broke his bat, with part of it sailing into the seats behind the Brewers' dugout. He also fouled a pitch off that went into the seats behind the Cubs' dugout on the third-base side. Fortunately, no one was hurt. "I was just trying to battle and get on base any way possible," said Schwarber, who is the Cubs' top prospect. "I almost killed a couple people. I'm sorry about that. I felt good at the plate today." Whatever he's doing is working so far. Schwarber, 22, is batting .338 with two doubles, a triple, four homers and 13 RBIs in his first 22 career games. Veteran catcher Miguel Montero begins a rehab assignment on Sunday, but when he returns, Schwarber is staying. Maddon wants the rookie's bat in the lineup. "He's done a nice job behind the plate," Maddon said of Schwarber. "I'd like to believe he's here for awhile." Don't expect the Cubs' 2014 first-round Draft pick to get lackadaisical. "I'm going to keep working my butt off to stay up here and help contribute to this team win," Schwarber said. Which means prepping for 99-mph fastballs from Hunter. The right-hander, acquired Friday from the Orioles, was needed after Motte gave up a double to Adam Lind and then watched Khris Davis hit a long fly ball to right that Jorge Soler snared with a leaping catch at the wall. "That was a great catch by Soler -- a big difference-maker for us," Maddon said. Schwarber had talked to Hunter before the game to get acquainted with the reliever. However, he wasn't quite ready for Hunter's 99-mph fastball. "I looked up and I'm like, 'That's a 99 ball there,'" Schwarber said. "That's why it got on me a little bit.' That's good stuff to have right there. "That's probably the first time I caught a 99 ball right there," he said. "It doesn't look any different. It still looks the same coming out of the hand. It just gets on you a little quicker." -- Cubs.com Deal allows Hunter to be close to ailing mother By Carrie Muskat MILWAUKEE -- Tommy Hunter could not have been traded to Chicago at a better time. It's not that the right-handed reliever didn't like pitching for the Orioles, but now that he's with the Cubs, he'll be closer to his mother, who is battling cancer. Hunter grew up in Indianapolis, and his mother still lives there. She recently had surgery to combat kidney cancer. "It was pretty rough," said Hunter, who picked up the save in the Cubs' 4-2 win over the Brewers on Saturay. "She's going through some surgeries now, and she had a good one [Friday] and it was successful. She's going through radiation and doing all of that. We found out maybe two months ago. It was bad timing at the time. Now, [I'll be] three hours away, and it'll be really cool." Hunter said his mother had been cleared, but then went back for another checkup and the cancer was discovered. "It's your mom, so it kind of [stinks]," he said. "Three hours away -- she'll be coming up [to Wrigley Field]." Hunter had been dealing with the trade rumors and the bad news, and he was happy to focus on baseball Saturday. "I went home at the All-Star break and it was huge for me personally," he said. "It's a really good chance for me to be close [to family] and a chance to win, which is important right now."

The Cubs acquired the right-hander from the Orioles for outfielder Junior Lake, and manager Joe Maddon planned on using Hunter in late-inning situations. Maddon didn't waste any time. On Saturday, Hunter was called on in the ninth with a runner at third and one out, and he retired the next two batters for his first save since May 9, 2014. What surprised Maddon a little was seeing the scoreboard register 99 mph on Hunter's third pitch of the game. "First two pitches I throw warming up go to the backstop, and then [Jean Segura] swings at the first one -- thank you," Hunter said. "Get the first one out of the way and hopefully some of the jitters go away. Winning is fun, man." But is 99 mph something the Cubs can expect to see more of? "That's pretty normal," Hunter said. "I'll creep up there, especially with the adrenaline. It's the first save situation I've been in. ... First time out, adrenaline. You're not going to see that every day. Well, you might. You never know." It was the first pitch that fast that Cubs catcher Kyle Schwarber caught. "It doesn't look any different," Schwarber said. "It still looks the same coming out of the hand. It just gets on you a little quicker." Now all Hunter needs are some Cubs-colored shoes. He had to spray-paint his black and orange shoes because he didn't get new ones in time. He'll do whatever is asked. "When you get the ball, throw it as hard as you can and hopefully you strike people out," he said of his approach. "I'm here to fit in and do whatever I can, whether it's the second inning or 11th inning." Former teammate Pedro Strop greeted Hunter with a big hug. Hunter also was teammates with starters Jake Arrieta and Jason Hammel in Baltimore. "I'm not sure what they said about me," Hunter said, "but I'm sure you can believe everything they said." Well, Strop said Hunter was "crazy" and Arrieta described him as a teddy bear. Hunter laughed. "[Strop] was there in my prime," Hunter said. Now, he's getting to know his new teammates. "It's a new chapter," Hunter said. And it's close to home. -- Cubs.com Haren to make Cubs debut Wednesday By Carrie Muskat MILWAUKEE -- New Cubs pitcher Dan Haren posted on Twitter that he had landed in Milwaukee, and the right-hander will make his first start on Wednesday in the series finale against the Pirates. This is a key month for the Cubs, who are trying to secure a playoff spot. They'll face the two teams ahead of them in the National League Wild Card race, the Pirates and Giants, starting Monday. "This is the tough month to get through, August," Cubs manager Joe Maddon said. "You've got to show up every day and play. Everybody gets a little bit fatigued, mentally and physically. I've explained to the guys, once you get to September, if you're in that hunt, you find the energy every day. The weather starts to break and it gets cooler.

Plus, you show up and you're right there and have this opportunity. [August] is the month you have to manufacture it a little bit." Maddon will try to keep things loose. Maddon has something planned for the middle of the month, but he wouldn't offer any hints. The Cubs will be encouraged to wear onesies on the flight home from Los Angeles on Aug. 30. "It is fun and games, it's not life and death," Maddon said. "You've wanted to do this since you're 6 or 5 or 4 [years old]. You wanted this opportunity to be a Major League player, you might as well enjoy it." • Hector Rondon has picked up saves in his last three outings, but he's not the closer, even though that was his job at the beginning of the season. Maddon moved Rondon out of that role and decided to go with matchups rather than one pitcher. It's worked so far, plus helped ease Rondon back into late inning situations. "Any situation they want to put me in, I'm available," Rondon said. "Right now, I throw most of the time seventh, eighth, ninth innings. I'll always be ready." Rondon said he benefitted from the brief break in May and June when he wasn't used in save situations as much. Does he need to know his role? "For me, I don't care if he tells me or tells other guys who's the closer," Rondon said. "What's most important for us is to win games." • Catcher Miguel Montero (left thumb) will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Sunday with Double-A Tennessee. Meanwhile, infielder Tommy La Stella, who started his rehab assignment at Tennessee last Wednesday, was expected to return to action on Sunday. La Stella, out since early April with an oblique strain, had some soreness in the same area after playing in one game. • The Cubs added pitchers Haren and Tommy Hunter to the active roster on Saturday, and optioned right-handed reliever Yoervis Medina to Triple-A Iowa to make room on the roster. Reliever Ben Rowen had been designated for assignment on Friday. The Cubs also announced first baseman Mike Baxter, who was designated for assignment, had cleared waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Iowa. Did Maddon expect the Cubs to make any more trades in August? "Of course it can, but I don't expect anything to happen," he said. "There's nothing really prominent conversation between me and the guys." • Left-hander Clayton Richard will start Sunday in the series finale against the Brewers. It'll be his fourth start with the Cubs. In his last start at Triple-A Iowa, Richard gave up three hits over seven scoreless innings. -- Cubs.com Cubs taking aim at fifth straight victory in finale By Brandon Curry Clayton Richard will be added to the Cubs' roster as they look to complete a four-game sweep of the Brewers, who will turn to Kyle Lohse, in Sunday's series finale at Miller Park. Richard, who last pitched with the Cubs on July 20 against the Reds, will make his third start (fourth appearance) with Chicago this season. He'll fill in for the newly acquired Dan Haren, who started on Thursday for the Marlins.

Lohse's spot in Milwaukee's starting rotation was likely saved when the Brewers packaged starter Mike Fiers with Carlos Gomez in a trade with the Astros on Thursday. With the emergence of rookie starter Taylor Jungmann, the Brewers were briefly working with a six-man rotation. Lohse and his 6.24 ERA made it difficult for the Brewers to potentially trade the free agent-to-be, leaving his future with the club momentarily unclear. Things to know about the game • Richard has struggled in his career against the Brewers, posting a 5.97 ERA in seven starts. Four of those outings were at Miller Park, where his ERA balloons to 6.75 in 21 innings. • Part of the damage done to Lohse this season has come via the home run. The right-hander has surrendered at least one homer in 18 of his 21 starts. Lohse did pitch into the seventh inning in his last outing for only the third time since May 15. • Cubs catcher Miguel Montero (left thumb) will begin a Minor League rehab assignment on Sunday with Double-A Tennessee. Expect rookie Kyle Schwarber to stay with the Cubs, according to manager Joe Maddon. Schwarber has played both catcher and left field in the first three games of this series. --