Milwaukee 4, Cubs 3

The first game of the big 3-game Easter series in Cheeseland turned out to be a disaster. It was a game where the Brewers and Cubs both looked like they were going to pull away, but neither did.

The Brewers started off strong in the first by taking an early lead and looked like the dominant team for a few innings until Koyie Hill's HR gave the Cubs a 3-2 lead and it looked like the Cubs would be victorious. As the fans were heading to the exits in the ninth they were pulled right back when the Brewers put togther a run ending in a walkoff hit by Ryan Braun as Rickie Weeks was safe at home.

Koyie Hill did not agree with the call at the end so he drilled the ball into the ground. Hill later commented that it was "the wrong way to act."

Getting the loss, new Cubs closer Kevin Gregg. This brings me serious concern as the Cubs have struggled with closers in the past and it is scary for me to think of the possibility of the Cubs not making the playoffs because of their closer like in 2004 with Hawkins.

It also brings serious question to Jim Hendry's decision not to go out and get a big name closer, something that is way overdue on his part. I am fine with him giving up someone like Fukudome for a good closer. If the Cubs do not get a reliable closer, it is going to be a long year.

It was good to see a solid performance from Rich Harden today.

Big Z will be on the mound tomorrow in Milwaukee. It is definitely not time to hit the panic button on the closer situation, as it is early. However, it IS time to ponder the thought of maybe needing to go after a new closer.

Tomorrow's game is at 6:05 on CSN TV and WGN Radio.


Koyie Hill spikes the ball in frusteration after the Cubs' loss to Milwaukee.