Brewers back-up Marcum, sweep Cubs

From Thursday, July 28, 2011
Brewers 4, Cubs 2
W: Marcum (10-3) L: Wells (2-4) SV: Axford (30)

Ryan Braun finished a triple shy of the cycle and had two RBIs as the Brewers won their third game in a row in sweeping fashion.

Milwaukee's pitching has been outstanding as of late and that continued with Shaun Marcum. He went six innings and surrendered two runs on seven hits. The good news is those were the only two runs given up all game by the Brewers pitching staff.

Chicago got on the board first when Aramis Ramirez scored Tony Campana on a sacrifice fly to right field. Marcum quickly retired the next two batters as the Brewers got out of the inning.

Milwaukee did not waste any time to get Marcum some run support. After Corey Hart flew out, Nyjer Morgan and Ryan Braun both singled to give Prince Fielder runners on first and second. Chicago's starter Randy Wells walked Fielder to load the bases for Casey McGehee, who hit a sacrifice fly to center field to score Morgan. With two outs, Yuniesky Betancourt doubled to score Braun from second and give the Brewers a one run lead.

The Brewers have scored runs in the first inning in several games recently and that is a very important stat. It gives the starting rotation confidence because they are pitching with a lead and it motivates the hitters to keep after the opposing pitcher. All five starters are capable of putting away a game with early run protection.

Ryan Braun got his first RBI in the third inning on a home-run, his 21st of the season. Braun was on a cold-streak with homers before the All-Star break, but since coming back from his injury he has been on an absolute tear, making it a part of his daily routine. He got his second RBI in the fifth inning when he doubled home Morgan to give the Brewers a two-run lead.

Once again Milwaukee's bullpen took care of the rest. LaTroy Hawkins, Francisco Rodriguez, John Axford resumed their usual roles and closed out the game without allowing a hit. The only Cub batter to reach base in the last three innings was Geovany Soto, who was walked by Rodriguez in the eighth.