Wow, this is a big series. It's hard to imagine that a week and a half of games could be any more meaningful while we're still in July. Tonight kicks off a four-game set with the Cardinals, and after we spend the weekend hosting the Astros, the Cubs come to Milwaukee for four more.
The Crew enters the series even with the Cards in the loss column, though one back in the standings--and thus, one game out of the Wild Card. St. Louis will face both Sheets and Sabathia (in the last two games of the series), and the Cubs will get to start their four-game set against our pair of aces. Looking at the big picture, I'd be happy to win 4 out of these 8 Chicago and St Louis games--staying even in the standings is good enough for me, and I trust we can pick up the difference against our relatively easy schedule outside of those two opponents.
Of course, I wouldn't mind 7 out of 8. Or 9 out of 8, which I think we might achieve with the addition of Ray Durham's veteran leadership. Speaking of Durham, he is available tonight.
As you just might be aware, tonight's starter, Seth McClung, has been better away from Miller Park. His opponent is Joel Pineiro, who has thrown one quality start per season against the Brewers in his Cardinal career.
Game time is 6:05 CT, and here's the BR Game Preview.
Go Brewers!