Brewers Down Cubs to Take Series

With the recent additions of Andrew Cashner and Randy Wells to the disabled list, Spring Training hopeful Casey Coleman found a spot in the rotation. Today was test number one of 2011.

Sunday's game, which the Brewers took 6-5 to win the series, was not Coleman's first start against the Brewers. His Major League debut was against Milwaukee and saw the Brew-Crew dismantle the Cubs 18-1, with Coleman giving up six runs in just over two innings. Needless to say, he was hoping for some payback.

Coleman (0-0, 7.20) was up and down, giving up nine hits and four earned runs in five innings of work. Yovani Gallardo (1-0, 2.70), potential Cy Young candidate, had a tough go as well; giving up seven hits and four earned run in his five innings for the Brewers. Despite neither pitcher pitching up to par, neither received a decision.

The Cubs took an early lead on Aramis Ramirez's two-run double in the first. The Brewers responded quickly with a two-run home run by Prince Fielder in the bottom of the first. The Cubs tacked on single runs in the second and third innings to move ahead 4-2. The lead didn't last as in the bottom of the third, Ryan Braun tied the game with a two-run home run to left field.

The game remained relatively quiet until the Cubs were able to sneak ahead in the top of the seventh on an RBI-groundout by Tyler Colvin, giving the Cubs their third lead of the day. But like the other two leads, this one was short lived. Casey McGehee hit a pinch hit, two-run home run off of Kerry Wood (0-1) to give the Brewers a 6-5 lead which they would hold for the duration thanks to John Axford closing the door in the ninth.

With the win, the Brewers (5-5) moved back to .500 after starting the season 0-4. The Cubs (4-5), fell back below .500 with the loss.

The Brewers move on to Pittsburgh after an off day Monday while the Cubs get ready to start a series in Houston Monday night.

All statistic references from mlb.com.