Win: Chris Narveson (1-0)
Loss: Matthew Garza (0-1)
HR: None
MVP: Chris Narveson (.270)
LVP: Casey McGehee (-.045)
Fangraphs Beautiful Win Expectancy Graph
Well, it doesn't get much more satisfying than that. Chris Narveson, who came into this season as the Brewers fifth starter, still hasn't given up a run in 2011 as he pitched seven shutout innings today. And they were a great seven shutout innings. He only allowed an average of one baserunner an inning and struck out nine Cubs. Hell, the only time he was in any real danger was the first inning when a wild pitch on strike three allowed Aramis Ramirez to reach base, providing the catalyst towards a Chicago bases loaded situation with two outs. Unfazed, Narveson struck out Carlos Pena to end the threat.
On the other side, Matt Garza will have to work his way down to a sub-two ERA. He got hit hard by the Brewers, giving up five earned runs on eight hits and three walks in 5 and 2/3 innings.
Prince Fielder was the star on offense--he had three doubles and four RBI. Hopefully someday he'll develop his power and those gap doubles will turn into home runs.
Ryan Braun was also very good, as he scored three runs on 2-4 hitting with a walk.
No Cubs hitters had more than one hit, though Geovany Soto did draw both of the Cubs walks, in addition to his single.
Sean Green and Marco Estrada took the seventh and eighth innings, respectively. The only baserunner for the Cubs was due to a walk from Estrada.
Outside of that, there wasn't anything inherently exciting about this game. The Brewers took the lead early and maintained it throughout the game. Chris Narveson was nothing short of outstanding. And the Brewers evened up the series against the Cubs. The two teams will have the rubber match tomorrow at 1:00 CT, and the gamethread will be up at noon so be sure to join us.