The Cubs will try to extend their winning streak to four games tonight against the Milwaukee Brewers. The series opener tonight marks to start of a 10 game road trip for the Cubs. All games are against the top three teams in the NL Central.
The Cubs will start the week 11 1/2 games behind the division leader. But don’t expect the Cubs to roll over for their rivals.
“We’re not where we want to be but we’re going to make it difficult on the teams all year long,” Cubs center fielder Marlon Byrd said. “We’re playing the top teams in our division. We owe it to the rest of the division to battle. It’s a big trip. We keep thinking anything can happen.”
Fortunately for the Cubs, Milwaukee slugger, Prince Fielder, has been in a recent slump. Prince went 2-28 before his two hits Sunday against the Giants. Brewers manager, Ron Roenicke, discussed the possibility of Fielder taking the day off Sunday, but Fielder declined.
Ryan Dempster will get the start for the Cubs. The Cubs opening day starter has had good success against the Brewers in his career. Dempster is 15-3 with a 2.50 ERA in 45 appearances(23starts) versus Milwaukee.
However, Brewers will start Chris Narveson, who has also had good success against his rival. The lefty is 5-0 with a 3.38 ERA in 11 appearances(four starts).
Cubs are just 17-29 on the road this season. Hopefully that record will improve on this road trip.