Gallardo wins again, pitches Brewers past Cubs 3-1

[September 09, 2013]  CHICAGO (AP) -- Yovani Gallardo tossed seven strong innings and Jeff Bianchi delivered a key pinch-hit single, leading the Milwaukee Brewers over the Chicago Cubs 3-1 Sunday.

Gallardo (11-9) allowed one run and three hits. He is 3-0 with a 1.35 ERA in five starts since coming back from a hamstring injury that put him on the disabled list.

Bianchi keyed a three-run seventh with a two-run single. Gallardo also contributed an RBI single.

Jim Henderson worked a perfect ninth for his 24th save in 28 chances.

Scott Baker pitched five shutout innings for the Cubs in his first start of the season following Tommy John surgery last year.

Junior Lake homered for the Cubs, who dropped to 29-46 at Wrigley Field.

The game was scoreless until the fifth when Lake homered into the left-field bleachers. It was his sixth homer since being called up from the minors in July.

One batter later, Logan Watkins pinch-hit for Baker, who had thrown 55 pitches. Baker allowed only two hits, struck out one and walked one.

Former Cubs star Aramis Ramirez started the Brewers' rally with a one-out double in the seventh off reliever Justin Grimm (0-1). Carlos Gomez followed with a single to right field. Ramirez was held at third base, but the throw from Nate Schierholtz missed the cut-off man, allowing Gomez to take second.

Bianchi's singled up the middle against James Russell gave Milwaukee a 2-1 lead. Gallardo singled with two outs to score Bianchi.

NOTES: To make room for Baker on the 40-man roster, the Cubs designated INF Cody Ransom for assignment. "Unfortunately, Ransom's been here all year and it's kind of a weird time to designate someone on Sept. 8," manager Dale Sveum said. "It's an unfortunate thing, but it's part of the business." Ransom, 37, made 38 starts at 3B. He hit .189 with nine home runs and 20 RBIs. ... Brewers OF Khris Davis (left wrist) hasn't played since Wednesday. With Monday's off-day, manager Ron Roenicke said he hopes Davis can return on Tuesday in St. Louis. ... The Cubs are at Cincinnati on Monday with Travis Wood (8-11) facing Bronson Arroyo (13-10). ... The Brewers are off until Tuesday when they begin a series in St. Louis with Wily Peralta (9-14) going against Shelby Miller (12-9).

[Associated Press]

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