Zach Davies is regressing in a major way. He started the year with great promise, but things have gone to hell and a handbasket in the last few games. In the last three games, Davies gave up 17 runs with giving up two home runs per outing. He has seen his ERA jump from 2.79 on July 18th to 3.74 on August 2nd. That’s not a good look at all especially when Milwaukee does not currently have starting pitchers. Was he playing above expectations all year? Probably. But let’s hope Davies finds a way to manage the good and the bad starts.

Player of the Game: Javy Baez – What a game from El Mago. We haven’t seen Baez be a difference-maker in the Brewers-Cubs series yet this season, but he was in this game. Baez had three hits, two runs scored and hit a two-run home run in the third inning. Joe Maddon moved Baez down the order a bit in the last few games in conjunction with the Nick Castellanos acquisition. Having Baez be your fifth hitter is pretty damn tough.

The Thing I Didn’t Like: JJ is still a complete fucking mess – I’m not sure what the Brewers can do with Jeremy Jeffress. After a successful 2018 season, he is a complete disaster in 2019. As a bullpen pitcher, he has a 4.91 ERA. He gave up two more runs on Friday night. Brewers brought him in the game at the fifth inning in a low-leverage situation, and he still fucked it up. I’m not sure what you can do with him any longer. Ray Black or Jacob Faria are much better options at this point.

The Thing I Did Like: Everyone but JJ held their water – Brewers bullpen did not make it worse after Jeffress’ bad outing. Alex Claudio, Jay Jackson, and Drew Pomeranz all pitched really well. Pomeranz looked great in the ninth inning as he struck out two batters and did not allow a hit. That’s an encouraging thing during a bad game.

Next up: Brewers and Cubs get ready for Round II. For Milwaukee’s delight, Cole Hamels is back from the disabled list after battling an oblique injury. He was filthy before getting hurt. Gio Gonzalez is back in the starting rotation after taking a week off with a bad shoulder. Gio has been excellent versus Chicago for his career. This is as close to a must-win as you can have on the Brewers’ schedule.

Charlie.