Game Twenty-Six: Cubs (16-9) vs. Brewers (14-11)
Game Time - 7:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 189
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago

Jason Marquis (1-0, 3.47/1.50) vs. Ben Sheets (3-0, 0.96/0.64)

Lou Piniella's crew returns to the field tonight for the first of three games against the Milwaukee Brewers. The Cubs stumbled into Monday's off day after losing 3 of the previous 4 games. The Cubs must get back on track tonight and that will be easier said than done against Ben Sheets.

The Cubs posted a solid 9-4 record over the last two weeks. The upcoming stretch of games against the Brewers, Cardinals and Reds will be a big test for the first place club.

After two rough starts to begin the season, Jason Marquis is coming off two very good outings....but will have his hands full tonight. Marquis picked up his first win of the season with an impressive game against the Pirates on April 19th (1 run on 6 hits in 6 innings with 7 strikeouts and a walk). Marquis was just as solid against the Rockies in Denver but the Cubs lost the game on an error in the 8th. Marquis turned in his second quality start of the year and allowed only 2 runs on 8 hits in 7 innings.

Marquis has cut down on the free passes over his last two starts....which has led to his success. After walking 6 and striking out just 4 in his first two games (10 1/3 innings). Marquis has walked only 3 in his last 13 innings while recording 11 strikeouts.

The Brewers have been successful over the years against Marquis. He is 5-6 in 15 games, 13 starts, with a 3.97 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP.

• Ryan Braun - 2-for-6
• Mike Cameron - 2-for-11 with a double
• Craig Counsell - 8-for-25 with 2 doubles, a triple, a home run and 4 walks
• Prince Fielder - 2-for-12 with a double and a home run
• Bill Hall - 5-for-14 with a double and a home run
• J.J. Hardy - 5-for-16 with a double
• Corey Hart - 3-for-8 with a home run
• Jason Kendall - 6-for-18 with a double
• Ben Sheets - 2-for-4
• Rickie Weeks - 2-for-7

Ben Sheets has been just short of perfect this season....but missed his last start due to injury. The Brewers success lies on the right shoulder of their ace. When he is healthy and pitching, Milwaukee is a different team. Sheets left in the 5th inning of his last start on April 18th against the Reds with soreness in his right triceps. He missed his last start and the Brewers have been carrying 14 pitchers on their roster. Sheets appears healthy and ready for the start tonight against the Cubs.

Sheets dominated the Cubs on Opening Day and in his first 4 starts this season he has allowed runs in just one game....the Mets scored 3 against him on April 12th. Sheets has surrendered only 14 hits in 28 innings with only 4 walks and 24 strikeouts.

The Cubs managed only 2 hits and 2 walks (both hits and one of the walks was by Fukudome) in 6 1/3 innings on the cold. rainy day back on March 31st against Sheets.

• Mark DeRosa - 5-for-19 with 2 doubles and a triple
• Kosuke Fukudome - 2-for-2 with a double and a walk
• Reed Johnson - 1-for-3
• Derrek Lee - 15-for-47 with 2 doubles and 5 home runs
• Jason Marquis - 1-for-4
• Aramis Ramirez - 10-for-52 with 2 doubles, a triple and a home run
• Felix Pie - 0-for-4
• Geovany Soto - 0-for-1 with a walk
• Ryan Theriot - 2-for-10

The Cubs will also face the Brewers at full strength tonight. Mike Cameron will make his Brewers' debut after missing the first 25 games of the year. Cameron was suspended during the winter after testing positive for a banned stimulant.

From the Cubstory Book....

Today is the 25th Anniversary of the famous tirade by Lee Elia. The former Cubs' manager has been in Chicago the past couple of days to celebrate the most famous tirade in the history of Chicago sports. Check out www.leeunplugged.com.

It is hard to believe 25 years has passed since Elia's outburst following a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. After the defeat on April 29, 1983, the Cubs record was 5-14 but featured many of the players that would win the National League Eastern Division title a year later. Elia's frustration boiled over as he sounded off to a small group of reporters. and only one had a microphone. Les Grobstein.

For those of you unfamiliar with what Mr. Elia said that afternoon a quarter century ago....here is a link to the tirade from the Chicago Tribune....and you can PRINT IT!

Lastly.... Tim Souers from Cubby-Blue captured 'The Catch'....Pefectly!

Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....