Game One Hundred Fifty-One: Cubs (91-59) vs. Brewers (84-68)
Game Time - 1:20pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 188
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago
Rich Harden (10-2, 2.04/1.04 - 5-1, 1.65/0.92) vs. Dave Bush (9-10, 4.24/1.15)
After winning game one behind Ryan Dempster and dropping the second game on Wednesday night, it is up to Rich Harden to pick up the win today in the rubber game of the series. Today is a rematch of the final game of the series in Milwaukee on July 31st. The Cubs need a similar performance today from Rich Harden and for the offense to score early and often.
Manny Parra was scheduled to start this game but was sent to the pen by the new Brewers' manager. That could change if Ben Sheets misses any time but for today Dave Bush has replaced him in the rotation.
With Geovany Soto starting the last four games, Henry Blanco or Koyie Hill could get the start behind the plate today.
In other news.... According to a report in the Tribune, Chad Gaudin did not have a good outing in Arizona and if he does not show improvement the next time he throws he might not be back with the Cubs this season. If Gaudin does not return, the Tribune mentioned the possibility of either Kevin Hart or Michael Wuertz filling in his vacated spot in the pen.
After going 13 days in before his last outing, Rich Harden will take the mound only 7 days after his last start. Harden was very effective against the Cardinals and picked up his 5th win as a Cub, despite his velocity being down from earlier in the year. Harden allowed only 2 runs on 5 hits in 6 innings with a walk and 3 strikeouts. Harden changed speeds effectively and displayed very good command. The two earned runs was the most allowed by Harden since the Astros put four on the board against him on August 5th.
Harden was 3-0 in 5 starts in August with a 1.82 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP.
Today will be Harden's second start of the season against the Brewers. He picked up the win in the last game in Milwaukee on July 31st. Harden allowed 1 run on 6 hits in 7 innings without a walk and 9 strikeouts....the only run, a solo shot off the bat of Prince Fielder.
- Ryan Braun - 1-for-3 with a double
- Dave Bush - 1-for-2
- Mike Cameron - 0-for-5
- Craig Counsell - 0-for-3
- Ray Durham - 1-for-12 with a double
- Prince Fielder - 1-for-3 with a home run
- J.J. Hardy - 0-for-3
- Jason Kendall - 0-for-3
- Rickie Weeks - 1-for-3
Dave Bush has put together a solid second half but has allowed 5 earned runs in his last 2 starts (14 innings). Bush showed signs this season of taking his game to the next level and was one of the main reasons the Brewers posted a 20-7 record in August. Bush was 4-0 in 5 starts with a spectacular 2.12 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP with a .206 OBA. However, like most of his teammates he has struggled in September....0-1 in 3 starts with a 5.21 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP with a .264 OBA.
Bush is 0-2 in 2 starts this season versus the Cubs with a 8.53 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP.
- Henry Blanco - 0-for-9
- Ronny Cedeno - 3-for-14 with a home run
- Mark DeRosa - 4-for-13 with a home run
- Jim Edmonds - 5-for-11with 3 doubles and 2 home runs
- Kosuke Fukudome - 2-for-4 with 2 doubles
- Derrek Lee - 4-for-22 with a double
- Felix Pie - 2-for-6
- Aramis Ramirez - 7-for-23 with 3 doubles and 2 home runs
- Alfonso Soriano - 8-for-24 with 2 doubles and a home run
- Geovany Soto - 1-for-4
- Ryan Theriot - 3-for-14 with 2 doubles
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