Early deficit dooms Bush, Brewers

It’s never a good sign when the opposing team’s pitcher bats in the first inning. Brewers’ starter Dave Bush started his 2007 campaign on the wrong foot, surrendering 6 runs in the first inning, digging himself and the Brewers an early hole, while Cubs’ starter Rich Hill held the Brewers hitless through five, and only allowed 1 ER through 7 IP–a 6th inning solo shot by Corey Hart–en route to the Cubs’ 9-3 pounding. Well, at least both teams now sport 2-2 records…both two up on the last place Astros. From the “it could be worse department”–the Crew’s .257 BA is 16th in the majors…somehow, the Texas Rangers are bringing up the rear with a 18-for-121 start on the season, or .149 BA. Claudio Vargas also made a lackluster appearance, surrendering 3 ER in 2 IP of relief…the last possible relief work for him, as he’s due to start Wednesday against the Marlins. One positive note–Carlos Villanueva came in to face the Cubs in the 9th, allowed no runs, to improve his ERA to 27.00.