Chicago Cubs' winning streak strikes out against Sale

It's odd to be writing about a Chicago Cubs loss these days.

But it's not every day they go up against a pitcher the caliber of Chris Sale.

Cubs batters went down on strikes 15 times against Sale and three times against reliever Nate Jones as the Chicago White Sox salvaged the finale of this three-game series Sunday, beating the Cubs 3-1 at U.S. Cellular Field.

It's the third time this season Cubs batters struck out 18 times, again tying the franchise record for a nine-inning game.

The loss snapped a nine-game winning streak, but the Cubs are 15-2 over their last 17 games and 67-49 overall.

So where does Sale's stuff rank in the eyes of Cubs hitters?

“Oh, it's right there at the top,” said center fielder Dexter Fowler, who got the Cubs' only hit off Sale, a single with one out in the sixth inning. “He had great stuff today. His slider was lights-out. His fastball, a little bit of movement, it gets on you.”

Cubs manager Joe Maddon has been talking up his club all season. He wasn't about to stop Sunday as the Cubs got set to enjoy a much-needed off-day Monday before welcoming the Detroit Tigers to Wrigley Field on Tuesday.

“Listen, you're not going to win them all, man,” Maddon said. “That doesn't happen. We've been playing really well. We continue to play really well. Today, we just ran into a good pitcher, and that was the difference.

“I could not be happier with our guys. We do need this day (off). The day is going to be good for everybody. These are three games where the weather was extremely warm. Great series.

“I really enjoyed the rivalry. That was outstanding. Both sides. I thought it was really cool.”

Cubs starting pitcher Dan Haren gave up 3 solo home runs, upping his total of homers allowed this season to 27. He lasted 4⅔ innings, giving up 7 hits as his record with the Cubs evened at 1-1 following his July 31 trade from the Miami Marlins.

Haren was hit on the right ankle by a ball off the bat of Carlos Sanchez in the second inning.

“I was fine,” he said. “I just needed a minute there to let the sting go away. But I was good throughout the game.”

The Cubs brought Haren in to shore up their fifth-starter spot for the playoff run. He said he likes the vibe on his new team.

“It's been great,” he said. “I wish I could have thrown a little better today, but no use dwelling on it anymore. The team has been doing great. We're swinging the bats great for the most part. Today, it wasn't the best day, but the bats have really been there for the two weeks I've been here.

“I don't think any of us are going to hang our heads. Just get back home Tuesday and start winning again.”

The Cubs got their only run in the ninth, when Jorge Soler homered off David Robertson with two outs. Addison Russell beat out an infield single — the Cubs won a replay challenge on the play — before Starlin Castro grounded out.

“How about the ninth inning, giving ourselves a chance, at least to tie it up?” Maddon said. “Anthony (Rizzo) hitting a routine groundball to second base and how well he ran to first. All those little things that were there in that game … our not quitting, playing a full nine innings. I was really, really pleased with that.

“All of those moments are going to contribute to our guys doing well when it gets to September and getting eventually to October.”