@Brewers 3, Cubs 2

Boxscore

Narveson shines in start
Pitcher piles up 10 strikeouts

It's amazing how differently things go when your starting pitcher doesn't take you out of the game before everyone settles into their seats.

Left-hander Chris Narveson more than did his job as a fill-in starter for the Milwaukee Brewers with a strong effort over 5 2/3 innings Wednesday night that included a career-high 10 strikeouts.

With the bullpen doing its job and second baseman Felipe Lopez making a couple of key defensive plays in a tense seventh inning, the Brewers hung on for a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Miller Park to salvage the finale of the three-game series.

Unlike the first two games, when the Cubs battered starters Braden Looper and Dave Bush early and often, the Brewers never trailed in this one. Narveson kept the visitors in the starting blocks by allowing only four hits and one run before departing.

"Each time, he's gotten a little better," said manager Ken Macha. "His changeup was as good as it has been. I also think he's relaxing a little bit more out there."

Some Rattlers fans may remember Narveson from two starts he made against the Timber Rattlers. On May 5, 2001, he pitched 7-2/3 shutout innings, allowed five hits, and struck out eight in a win for the Peoria Chiefs. On August 21, 2002, He had a no decision after allowing one run on seven hits with one strikeout.

Thursday's game
PHI: J.A. Happ
MIL: Jeff Suppan
7:05pm CDT