The always anticipated home opener has finally arrived for the Chicago Cubs and their fans. After the Cubs(2-4) won their first series in Pittsburgh, they were swept by the Atlanta Braves this past weekend. Now the Cubs come home for the first time this season to play to Milwaukee Brewers. The Brewers(1-5) have also gotten their season off to a slow start due to countless injuries. After getting a win on Opening Day, the Brewers are on a five game losing streak. It is still unclear whether Ryan Braun will be playing in this series, but Aramis Ramirez, Corey Hart, and Matt Gamel are all on the disabled list for the Brewers.
Monday: Edwin Jackson will make his first start at Wrigley as a member of the Cubs. He will square off against Marco Estrada. The Cubs have not seen Estrada too much in his young career. But Starlin Castro and Alfonso Soriano both carry .333 AVG against Estrada in nine plate appearances. Jackson has been average against the Brewers over the past three years. He is 3-3 with a 3.21 ERA against the Brew Crew. But he will be facing a much different lineup today. You can catch the home opener at 1:20 on WGN. Pre-game show starts at 12:30.
Tuesday: Travis Wood will get the nod for the Cubs after a great first start. He will face off against Wily Peralta. The Cubs have never seen the right hander. Only Scott Hairston and Dioner Navarro have had at-bats against him and they are a combined 0-3. Peralta was roughed up against the Rockies last week, giving up 4ER in 5.1IP. Wood has had some success against the Brewers with a 3-2 record sporting a 3.40ERA. There is expected rain coming into the area on Tuesday so hopefully the Cubs will be able to get this one underway. Game time is 7:05 on WGN.
Wednesday: Scott Feldman will make his first ever appearance at the Friendly Confines on Wednesday. He will face off against newly acquired Brewer, Kyle Loshe. Spending the past couple of years with the Cardinals, Loshe has a 3-1 record against the Cubs but his ERA is up near five. He had a no decision in his first start last Friday but went six innings allowing just one run. Game time is 7:05 on CSN+.
With the banged up Brewers in town, the Cubs need to get back on track before welcoming the San Francisco Giants in this weekend for a four game series. All three games are very winnable for the Cubs. One thing to keep an eye on of course is the closers role. Fujikawa has replaced Marmol in that spot, so the Cubs will be anxious to see how he pitches.
My Prediction: The Cubs take the series 2-1.
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