Chicago, IL (Sports Network) - Aramis Ramirez finished 1-for-3 and knocked in
two runs in his first game back in Chicago since signing a four-year deal
with the Brewers in the offseason, and Milwaukee fought off a late rally from
the Cubs to take a 7-5 decision at Wrigley Field on Monday.
Ramirez, who played nine seasons in Chicago, hurt the Cubs early, but almost
handed his former club the game late, as his error in the ninth kept the
Chicago rally going and allowed the Cubs to score two runs in the frame before
closer John Axford shut the door with two big strikeouts to complete the save
and leave the bases full of Cubs.
Shaun Marcum (1-0) made the start for the Brewers, allowing three runs on five
hits while fanning five over six innings of work. Rickie Weeks belted a solo
home run, while Mat Gamel finished with two hits, two runs scored and an RBI
as Milwaukee improved to 2-2 after dropping 2-of-3 to the Cardinals to open
the season.
Milwaukee took the lead for good in the sixth as Shawn Camp (0-1) started the
frame in place of starter Chris Volstad. Camp was greeted by Corey Hart, who
ripped a single into center field. Gamel followed with a triple, plating Hart,
and scored two batters later on a sacrifice fly from Jonathan Lucroy to make
it 5-3 Brewers.
Camp allowed three runs on five hits over two innings of work to take the loss
and Volstad, who started his first game as a Cub after spending the last four
seasons with the Marlins, yielded three runs on five hits over his five
innings on the mound. Darwin Barney and Bryan LaHair each added solo shots for
the Cubs, who began the season by losing 2-of-3 to the Nationals.
GAME NOTES:
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