The Milwaukee Brewers put forth a much better effort, but it still wasn't enough to prevent them from falling out of the NL Wildcard lead. The Brewers dropped their series opener 5-4 to the Cubs in Chicago, sending interim manager Dale Sveum to defeat in his very first game.
The Brewers started the night tied with the Philadelphia Phillies in the wildcard race. They ended it 1/2 game behind the New York Mets. CC Sabathia lost for the first time in a Brewers uniform, falling to 9-1. The Brewers lost for the 5th straight game and for the 12th time in the last 15 games.
Prince Fielder had a big night at the plate. He doubled his first time up, then collected his 31st and 32nd home runs before striking out against Kerry Wood to end the game in the 9th.
Ryan Dempster earned the win for the Cubs, a career high 16th. The Cubs saw their magic number to clinch the National League Central is now down to 4. Jason Marquis pitches game 2 for the Cubs tonight. Ben Sheets gets the call for the Brewers.