Boxscore

The Cubs (17-10) worked their hardest to make sure they will score more runs than the Brewers (15-12) even if they do end up losing the three-game series. (And that’s saying something, with 24 total runs this game and 17 in the first, this series hasn’t showcased what one would call “good” pitching.)

Jeff Suppan (1-1) was the proverbial batting tee today, allowing 11 runs (8 earned) in not-quite 4 innings. You know what that’s not? A quality start. His pitching opponent, Ryan Dempster (4-0), managed to do the opposite of that. By the time the Cubs bullpen appeared, the Brewers had pretty much given up, and I can’t blame them.

The two teams close out their series today at 2:20pm EDT. Yovani Gallardo for the Brewers and Carlos Zambrano for the Cubs.

Boxscore

In a move surprising no one who trusts my predictions, the Reds (12-17) dropped the final game of their series with the Cardinals (18-11).

Aaron Harang (1-4) quality started himself to a loss thanks to his usual lack of run support this year. I remember that afflicting Bronson Arroyo last year, and it looks like Arroyo passed it on to Harang. By that logic, Harang will suck next year.

Braden Looper (4-1) was slightly better than Harang and possessing the better offense, for the win. Jason Isringhausen (S 9) got his ninth save.

Both teams take May Day off before starting new series on Friday. The Reds sail to Atlanta, trying desperately to right their ship, not realizing it’s already sunk. The Cardinals stay home to face in-division rival the Cubs. The latter series should be fun to watch this weekend.

Boxscore

The Pirates (11-16) made short work of the pitcher they stupidly traded away to the Mets (14-12).

Oliver Perez (2-2) lost the game, allowing 7 runs, but only 2 of them earned, in 1 and 2/3 innings. Wow. Way to pick up your pitcher, defense. The Pirates took advantage of downright terrible Mets defense and rolled to an easy win behind Tom Gorzelanny (2-3).

That’s such a weird sentence to write. “The Pirates…rolled to an easy win.” It’ll take some time to get over that.

Pittsburgh travels to our nation’s capitol next where Zach Duke will battle Odalis Perez at 7:10pm EDT.

Boxscore

Geoff Blum provided half of the offense for the Astros (13-15) with a three-run double in the third against the Diamondbacks (19-8).

D-backs starter Edgar Gonzalez (1-2) was knocked out of that same scoring inning, and Arizona never had a chance after that, despite the shaky start from Jack Cassel. Doug Brocail (1-0) got the win in relief, and Jose Valverde (S 5) picked up the save, striking out the side.

This afternoon, it’s an aging Randy Johnson versus Shawn Chacon at 3:40 pm EDT.

Boxscore

Usually when a team has their ace starting a game along with the first start from the slick-gloved centerfielder they signed in the offseason, it’s the first game of the year. For the Brewers (15-11), it didn’t happen until the 26th against the Cubs (16-10).

Ben Sheets (4-0) pitched kinda like you expect pitchers to pitch on Opening Day. In his defense, it was his first start since missing time with a muscle pull. Jason Marquis (1-1) started for the Cubs, pretty much ensuring they didn’t have a chance at winning.

The offense for both teams was in high gear, though, pumping out 17 runs and 28 hits. On most days, 7 runs would get you a win, but not for the Cubs. The loss puts them in a virtual tie for first with the Cardinals.

The same two teams tonight with Jeff Suppan trying to win against Ryan Dempster at 8:05pm EDT.