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.

Brown’s first inning might have been better. He did manage to get two outs with runners on base, but a two-run double by Max Kepler gave the Phillies the lead, and then Nico Hoerner couldn’t handle a ground ball by J.T. Realmuto that might have ended the inning. Instead, a third run scored.