Garza, Cubs Go After Naverson, Brewers in Second Series Game

When the Chicago Cubs play the second game of the three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers tonight in Milwaukee, they will be trying to beat bad luck along with the opponent. Two Cubs' starting pitchers, Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner, are on the disabled list. So far the Cubs are keeping the ship afloat winning their first game against the Brewers.

MLB Writer Doug Miller has posted an article at the MLB.com website titled "Cubs, Brewers both trying to overcome injuries."

As I've already reported the Cubs have lost Randy Wells and Andrew Cashner for a few weeks with strains in the shoulder and arm. The Brewers lost starting pitcher Zack Greinke to a cracked rib."

Tonight the Brewers have to look to Chris Narveson who they have elevated from their bullpen to cover for Greinke. This is not Naverson's first start this year. He faced Atlanta last Monday and did well. The Braves hadn't scored a run through the sixth inning and Naverson was pulled from the game with a 1-0 lead -- the bullpen couldn't hold it and it ended up being a "no decision."

The Cubs will have their hands full with Chris Narveson who is sporting a 0.00 ERA from the game he has already started and lifetime against the Cubs he is 3-0 with a 3.66 ERA and 22 strikeouts.

Matt Garza has never faced the Brewers so we don't know how it will go.

It should be mentioned that in Garza's first start he did allow along with his 12 strikeouts 12 hits -- both were "career highs."

Chicago Cubs manager Mike Quade is optimistic. Even though the Cubs are sporting serious obstacles with two starting pitchers down, he sticks with the idea that whoever the team has on the active roster must rise to the occasion.

Can the Cubs make it two in a row? I don't know. Haverson is a good pitcher and he has been heavy on the shoulders of the Cubs. Still Chicago has been hitting. Also, when the Cubs can get to the sixth or seventh inning they can turn the game over to the "animals"-Sean Marshall, Kerry Wood and Carlos Marmol. These guys are bullpen relievers who shut the competition down.

I think Chicago will win, again.

References:

MLB.com Website, Doug Miller, "Cubs Brewers both trying to overcome injuries"