Tuesdays Brewers and Cubs starters faced each other earlier this year. It was no contest, with the Brewers winning 9-1. The Brewers are on the road, but have proved to be a very good road team this year, especially as a road favorite. They have won 3 straight, including 2 against the Cubs, and have, in addition to their fine starters, quite a bit more pep in their bats than last year.

Brewers left handed starter Lauer, had an off-day a couple of starts ago, when he gave up 4 runs and 3 home runs over 5 innings, but he has been very sharp before and since. Cubs’s starter, another lefty, Steele has struggled at times and even when pitching well has had no support. He had a couple of fine efforts, then the bottom fell out vs. the Reds (7 runs in 2+ innings) in his last game. His starts have been very short; just 3 of 9 lasting over 4 innings.

The Cubs have been hitting well, but have lost 5 of 6, and one reason for the poor success has been the bullpen, with an ERA approaching 6.00 in their last 10 games. By contrast, the Brewers relievers are cruising with an ERA of under 2.00. The combination of a pitcher like Steele with a short start and the Cubs’ poor pen won’t win many games. I am on the Brewers on Tuesday.