Lester has no-hitter vs Braves thru 6 after scoring change

“It’s so odd”, Maddon said.

So, what I felt was a “must-win” game ended up as a win, with Lester pitching like the guy fans have expected, and getting some timely hitting. He let it get away from him but I still believe he’s one of the best. The only issue with Lester is that he is often just a bit off when trying to work the corners, and it results in a little higher pitch count.

Lester took a no-hit bid into the seventh inning earlier this month against St. Louis. He also had a throwing error.

“I really didn’t understand what was going on, why they changed it or what happened or why it took so long or whatever”, Lester said. It’s part of the game. First pitch is scheduled for a 7:10 PM (Eastern) start time and the game will be televised locally.

Schwarber, the fourth overall pick in the 2014 draft, was named the MVP of the All-Futures Game on Sunday.

“That’s one of those plays that could go either way”, Lester said.

Shelby Miller (5-6) struck out eight and allowed four hits, four walks and three runs – one earned – in six innings for the Braves.

A chopper in the first inning by Atlanta’s Nick Markakis was originally ruled a hit, then the scorer changed it in the top of the seventh to an error on third baseman Kris Bryant. Miller then loaded the bases with a walk to David Ross before striking out Arrieta for the second out of the inning.

CINCINNATI – Cleveland’s Corey Kluber limited Cincinnati to three runs and seven hits over 7-2/3 innings while Anthony DeSclafani gave up six runs and five extra-base hits, including a three-run home run by Michael Brantley and two-run shot by right fielder Brandon Moss. Atlanta fixed the overall game at couple of you are facing the 4th inning.

Chicago tacked on another insurance run in the ninth off of reliever Arodys Vizcaino. Johnson has moved into the closer’s role following Jason Grilli’s season-ending Achilles injury. He will face Kelly Johnson who is batting.

Cubs: Montero is expected to be out longer than two weeks with what now is being called a left thumb sprain. Montero was expected to see a hand specialist in Chicago on Friday and to be checked again in Arizona this weekend.

Arrieta walked two in the first, but settled down as he regained command of his 96 miles per hour fastball and a sharp slider.

Because after his second straight outstanding outing Sunday that resulted in a 4-1 Cubs win over the Braves, Arrieta’s beginning to put himself in the Cy Young Award conversation.

Cubs manager Joe Maddon said he won’t force playing time – including in the outfield – for rookie catcher Kyle Schwarber, who had three hits on Friday night but didn’t start on Saturday. While not necessarily hitting the ball all that hard, they managed to grind out at bats and chase the starter (Manny Banuelos) from the game after 4 2/3 innings.