Monday's Action:

Brewers 7 Cubs 5

Cardinals 7 Reds 1

Astros 8 Braves 3

News and Notes:

St. Louis Cardinals:

• got another dominate pitching performance in their match-up against the Reds, this one coming from Jake Westbrook, who took a no hitter into the fifth inning. The Cardinals offense continued to pound out the hits and Home Runs as they jumped out to an early lead and never looked back.
• First Baseman Lance Berkman was back in the line-up for the opener against the Reds, playing despite a sore hand. Berkman went 1-for-3 with two walks and also scored two runs.
• top prospect, Shelby Miller, made his Triple-A debut for the Memphis Redbirds on Sunday. In other prospect news, RHP Trevor Rosenthal made his first Double-A start on Saturday for the Springfield Cardinals.

Cincinnati Reds:

• Second Baseman Brandon Phillips was forced to leave Monday's game against St. Louis due to hamstring cramping. During Sunday's series finale against the Marlins Phillips became the newest member of the 1,000 hit club.
• reliever Bill Bray made his 2012 debut Monday against the Cardinals after being limited during Spring Training due to a groin injury.
• reporter John Fay dishes on a number of Reds' news and notes from the weekend.

Chicago Cubs:

• new manager Dale Sveum reacts to managing against his former team for the first time.
• closer Carlos Marmol has the backing of Sveum after his shaky start to the season. After taking the loss on opening day, Marmol picked up the save in Sunday's game.
• fandom: the toughest job in sports. Why people voluntarily subject themselves to such punishment is beyond me.
• early season notebook from mlb.com.

Houston Astros:

• continued their winning ways on Monday with an 8-3 victory over the Atlanta Braves, this one in come from behind fashion.
• newest player Justin Maxwell, who was claimed off waivers on Sunday and added to the active roster for Monday's game, homered in his first at bat with the team.
• there's nothing like early season, feel-good, optimism.

Pittsburgh Pirates:

• prospect and No. 1 pick in last June's draft had a fine outing in his Class A+ start on Monday night for the Bradenton Marauders in his Minor League debut.
• look to reverse their trend of poor performances on the West Coast as they are set to begin a road trip which opens today at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.
• injured starters A.J. Burnett and Charlie Morton are on the mend. Morton made a rehab start at Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday night and Burnett is on track to return by the end of the month.

NL Central Standings:

Tuesday's Tap:

The Brewers and Cubs continue their series at Wrigley Field in another night game scheduled to begin at 7:05 p.m. CDT. Chris Narveson and new Cub Paul Maholm are the scheduled starters.

The Pirates are in Los Angeles to take on the Dodgers in the opener at Dodger Stadium. Kevin Correia has the difficult task of facing Clayton Kershaw who will take the hill for LA. Game time is set for 3:10 p.m. CDT.

Kyle Lohse looks to replicate his first start of the year against the Reds in Cincinnati. Mike Leake will attempt to cool down the red-hot Cardinal bats. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 p.m. CDT.

Houston will attempt to win their fourth straight against Tommy Hanson and the Atlanta Braves. Kyle Weiland will take the mound for the Astros in a game that is set to get underway at 7:05 p.m. CDT.