Cubs Head to Milwaukee to Battle Brewers; Zambrano Pitches First Game

The Cubs are going to Milwaukee to play the Brewers. It is a division rivalry and both clubs see the three-game set as necessary for a good start to the 2011 season. Leading the way will be Carlos Zambrano.

Spencer Fordin and Anthony Castrovince have posted an article at the Cubs' website titled "Destinies Intertwined as Cubs, Brewers commence." In the article Fordin and Castrovince report the details of the Cubs-Brewers matchup.

One interesting fact that has come up in the report is that the Milwaukee Brewers fan base at these home games against the Cubs has dwindled. The reason this has occurred is that Brewers' fans don't like the fact there are so many Cubs' fans at the games. And, it's true. Many people from Chicago make the trip and there are few fans louder than Cubs' fans.

Zambrano's first start this year ended abruptly with hand and hamstring cramps from which he has recovered. Against the Brewers Zambrano is 13-8 lifetime and has an ERA of 3.66.

The pitcher for the Brewers is Randy Wolf who is 5-9 against the Cubs and his ERA against them reflects his losing record at 6.39.

Cubs manager Mike Quade is confident going into the series this evening. He enjoys the rivalry and likes the team's chances against Milwaukee. He has reason to be optimistic. Last year the Cubs won nine games of the 15 they played against the Brewers.

I pick the Cubs to break .500 in this game and go 4-3.

It's worth mentioning that the Cubs first six games have bred good feelings among the players. Alfonso Soriano spoke for the team by saying (and I paraphrase), "The Cubs are happy and "hungry." Further he attributes that to Manager Quade who is even-tempered and direct.

Perhaps I shouldn't be so quick to give tonight's game to the Brewers. The Brewers have a 3-1 record at home and Chicago is 3-3. I didn't know that Chicago pitchers are leading the Majors with 58 strikeouts.

I am staying with my prediction and I also have to say that even the temperament of the Cubs, although they currently are only 3-3, shows a lot of promise for the future.

Reference:

Chicago Cubs' Website, Spencer Fordin and Anthony Castrovince, "Destinies Intertwined as Cubs, Brewers commence"