Boxscore

The Cubs (17-10) worked their hardest to make sure they will score more runs than the Brewers (15-12) even if they do end up losing the three-game series. (And that’s saying something, with 24 total runs this game and 17 in the first, this series hasn’t showcased what one would call “good” pitching.)

Jeff Suppan (1-1) was the proverbial batting tee today, allowing 11 runs (8 earned) in not-quite 4 innings. You know what that’s not? A quality start. His pitching opponent, Ryan Dempster (4-0), managed to do the opposite of that. By the time the Cubs bullpen appeared, the Brewers had pretty much given up, and I can’t blame them.

The two teams close out their series today at 2:20pm EDT. Yovani Gallardo for the Brewers and Carlos Zambrano for the Cubs.

Boxscore

Usually when a team has their ace starting a game along with the first start from the slick-gloved centerfielder they signed in the offseason, it’s the first game of the year. For the Brewers (15-11), it didn’t happen until the 26th against the Cubs (16-10).

Ben Sheets (4-0) pitched kinda like you expect pitchers to pitch on Opening Day. In his defense, it was his first start since missing time with a muscle pull. Jason Marquis (1-1) started for the Cubs, pretty much ensuring they didn’t have a chance at winning.

The offense for both teams was in high gear, though, pumping out 17 runs and 28 hits. On most days, 7 runs would get you a win, but not for the Cubs. The loss puts them in a virtual tie for first with the Cardinals.

The same two teams tonight with Jeff Suppan trying to win against Ryan Dempster at 8:05pm EDT.

Life and work have been a bit busy for game wraps the last few days, so why don’t we take a look at the standings since the weekend?

The Cubbies continue reside in first place, although they have definitely cooled off from the awesome hot streak that swept them into first. I mean, they lost a series to the Nationals. That’s gotta hurt. And all that without the hoppy Alfonso Soriano. He’ll be coming off the DL soon, so it should be interesting to see if he helps or hurts the team. If he continues to insist on his ridiculous idea of leading off, it’ll hurt.

The Cardinals are holding onto second place, despite losing to the Reds last night. (Even a blind squirrel like Bronson Arroyo can find a nut once in a while.) They did take a series from Houston over the weekend to continue their surprising start. Odds are good they’re winning ways will continue against the Reds, despite the opening game’s result. The Cardinals just win, and the Reds, and Dusty Baker, don’t.

In third place are the Brewers. They’re struggling along right now, losing their weekend series to the Marlins. However, Mike Cameron’s back from his drug suspension, so things should be looking up. Plus, they play the Cubs starting today, which provides ample opportunity to change their fortune.

The Astros and the Reds are tied for fourth place. The Astros got their thanks to a 6-game winning streak last week, including a sweep of the Reds, although they faltered against the Cardinals and the Diamondbacks. The Reds have a modest 3-game winning streak that’s lifted them from last place. Way to ride that general manager firing!

Bringing up the rear, of course, are the Pirates. They made big news by releasing former Cardinal Matt Morris at the end of last week. The team continues to lose a lot and abuse the good pitchers they do have. There really aren’t any better options than Morris in the minors for Pittsburgh, so I don’t know that the move will actually improve things. It’s looking like a 100-loss year is possible.

Boxscore

Prince Fielder led the Brewers (13-8) to their second straight win by blasting two homers and driving in 4. I hear he drove from the game in a little red corvette.

The Phillies (11-11) kept it close, having the lead until the 8th, when Cole Hamels (2-3) lost it due to fatigue. (He threw 121 pitches.) Mitch Stetter (1-0) got the win and Derick Turnbow (S 1) got his first save of the year.

It’s Jamie Moyer versus Jeff Suppan this afternoon at 1:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

So pitching wasn’t exactly a strong suit in the game between the Cardinals (13-8) and the Brewers (12-8).

Kyle Lohse had his first bad outing of the year for the Cardinals–the first of many, I’m sure–and lasted only four innings. Needless to say, he didn’t really factor in the outcome of the game thanks to the Brewers bullpen, which couldn’t hold an 8-3 lead.

The hero of the game is Gabe Kapler, who drove in the winning run in the 12th off Jason Isringhausen (1-1) to give Seth McClung (1-0) the award of last bullpener standing.

The Cardinals move to Pittsburgh where Todd Wellemeyer faces Ian Snell at 7:05pm EDT. The Brewers next host the Phillies and Cole Hamels, sending out Dave Bush at 8:05pm EDT.