Darwin Barney sets errorless games record but Cubs lose 3-1 to Brewers

The Cubs lost 3-1 to the Milwaukee Brewers in the third game of the four-game series Wednesday night at Wrigley Field.  Jeff Samardzija started for the Cubs and allowed three runs on seven hits and struck out ten batters and walked none over seven innings pitched. 

Samardzija was charged with his 12th loss of the season, as the Cubs offense never really woke up tonight and the Shark's own throwing error in the seventh inning was what put the Brew Crew ahead.

Jeff Samardzija struck out ten batters against the Brewers on Wednesday night (photo from cubs.com)

The Cubs scored their only run in the second inning when Darwin Barney had an RBI groundout.  Speaking of Barney, his errorless game streak is now at 114 and he has set the NL record for consecutive errorless games by a second baseman in a season.  Barney was originally charged with an error in the seventh inning, but the call was later reversed and changed to Luis Valbuena, who missed Barney's throw to third base.  Phew! Darwin's streak lives on!

Manager Dale Sveum said the following about Barney, "He's made a conscious effort to be the best in baseball on an everyday basis.  Not one day have I seen him take any ground balls off or take any days off.  It's been the same routine, same intensity every single day for him."

Darwin Barney's errorless game streak is now at 114 games and has set a new record (Getty Images photo)

In other Cubs news, the Cleveland Indians claimed left-handed relief pitcher Scott Maine on waivers from the Cubs on Wednesday.  The Cubs also activated RHP Blake Parker from the 60-day disabled list and designated left-handed pitcher Alex Hinshaw for assignment.

On Monday, pitcher Scott Maine was designated for assignment to make room for catcher Anthony Recker on the 40-man roster.  Recker was acquired from the Oakland A's for catcher Blake Lalli.

Starlin Castro signed a seven-year, $60 million contract extension with the Cubs.  The contract doesn't include no-trade provisions but includes a $16 million club option for 2020 with a $1 million buyout clause and a $6 million signing bonus.  Half of the bonus is paid upfront, with $1 million spread out over the first three years, which includes base salaries of $5 million for both 2013 and 2014, followed by salaries of $6 million, $7 million, $9 million, $10 million and $11 million.

Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer said, "We’ve gotten to know him very well since (the sexual assault allegations).  And we feel completely comfortable investing in him long-term.  I thought he and his representatives handled themselves appropriately during the process."

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the final game in the four-game series against the Brewers at 1:20pm CT.  Brooks Raley will make the start for the Cubs and most likely won't go beyond five innings, since it's only his fifth major league start.