Atlanta Braves pitchers dominate 7-0 loss to Chicago Cubs

Matt Olson hit a three-run homer and scored four runs, Chris Sale threw two hits in seven innings and the Atlanta Braves beat the Chicago Cubs 7-0 Tuesday night for their second straight shutout in the series.

Michael Harris II also scored for Atlanta, which won six of seven. The Cubs were held to three hits by Sale and relievers Aaron Bummer and Jackson Stephens and managed a total of eight hits while being outscored 9 -0 in the first two games of the series.

Sale (6-1) had nine strikeouts, his third straight start with at least nine, and didn’t walk anyone. The right-hander won his fifth straight start.

Right-hander Jameson Taillon’s defensive error on Orlando Arcia’s grounder helped set up the Braves’ six-run fourth inning, including homers by Harris and Olson. Five runs in the inning were unearned.

Taillon (3-1) allowed seven runs, including two earned, in four innings.

Harris started the fourth with his fourth circuit, his first since April 19. Olson, who doubled a run in the first, added a three-run shot, his fifth.

Cubs right-hander Tyson Miller pitched two scoreless innings in his debut after being acquired from the Seattle Mariners for minor league infielder Jake Slaughter. Left-hander Richard Lovelady has been designated to earn a spot on the 40-man roster.

TRAINERS ROOM

Cubs: SS Nico Hoerner was scratched by left hamstring strain. … DH Christopher Morel started after leaving Monday night’s game in the ninth inning with left foot soreness, but had the same foot hit by a Sale pitch in the first inning. Morel stayed in the game.

Braves: Manager Brian Snitker said 3B Austin Riley said he felt “a lot better” but was held out for the second straight game because of left-sided inflammation. … RHP Reynaldo López, who was limited to five innings Monday night due to back tightness, is expected to make his next start. … RHP Pierce Johnson (right elbow inflammation) is expected to pitch in a simulated game Wednesday.

FOLLOWING

RHP Charlie Morton (3-0, 3.14) is expected to start for Atlanta in the series finale Wednesday night. The Cubs have not announced their starting pitcher. Morton will make his first start against the Cubs since July 28, 2016 when he was with the Chicago White Sox.

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AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb