Chicago @ Milwaukee preview
American Family Field
Last Meeting ( Apr 24, 2010 ) Chi. Cubs 5, Milwaukee 1
Carlos Zambrano made it pretty clear that despite accepting his new role in the bullpen, he wants to be a starting pitcher by the time the playoffs roll around, if not sooner.
Zambrano, who started Opening Day for the Chicago Cubs, was demoted after going 1-2 with a 7.45 ERA. It’s his first time pitching out of the pen since 2002.
The right-hander made his first relief appearance during Saturday’s 5-1 win over the Milwaukee Brewers. He surrendered a two-run single in the eighth inning and qualified for a hold. He also managed to knock in a run with of single of his own.
The man who replaced him in the rotation, Ted Lilly, did nothing but impress in the win. Lilly, who was just activated from the 15-day disabled list after shoulder surgery, allowed three hits with four strikeouts over six scoreless innings.
Zambrano may not be getting his spot back anytime soon, but the Cubs hope that after blowing four saves already, their bullpen will improve with his presence.
Chicago has taken two of three in the series with the Brewers and will attempt the sweep in Sunday’s rubber match, which will feature a pair of pitchers off to hot starts.
Going for the Cubs is 27-year-old Randy Wells, who is 1-0 with a 2.45 ERA and 13 strikeouts through three starts. Wells won his first start of the season, but has taken no-decisions in his last two outings.
Opposing him for the Brewers will be Dave Bush, who tossed seven scoreless innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. He is 1-0 with a 2.41 ERA after three starts.
Bush missed out on wins in his other two starts after exiting with the lead, only to see the bullpen let it slip away.
Milwaukee’s offense has stuttered over the past two contests with a combined two runs against Chicago. They had recorded 36 total runs in their previous three games heading in.
Still, the Brewers rank second in the National League in hitting (.285) and runs scored (98). Their 14 stolen bases are fourth-most as well.
The Cubs rank in the Top-10 in four NL offensive categories, but their pitching numbers are statistically better. Their 4.04 ERA ranks eighth and their .248 batting average against is sixth in the league.
With Saturday’s win, Chicago moved within 2 ½ games of the first-place St. Louis Cardinals and trail the Brewers by half a game in the NL Central standings.