PHILADELPHIA — Even as right-hander Ben Brown struggled with command from the onset of his start against the Phillies on Wednesday, the Cubs needed him to cover innings. In the Cubs ’ 7-2 loss Wednesday, he at least delivered 5⅔ innings. But it was a slog most of the way through, as he allowed eight hits and six runs.

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Chicago evened the series up 1-1 yesterday with an 8-4 victory to send Philadelphia back into the loss column. The Phillies have lost 10 of the last 12 games, 6 of the past 7 and three straight when Luzardo pitches. The Cubs are 2-3 in the previous five games.

The Chicago Cubs visit the Philadelphia Phillies for the Wednesday finale of a 3-game series at Citizens Bank Park.