Baker: Cubs still feel comfy at Miller Park
By Toni Ginnetti tginnetti@suntimes.com July 25, 2011 11:00PM
CHICAGO, IL - JULY 24: Jeff Baker #28 of the Chicago Cubs hits a game winning single against the Houston Astros on July 24, 2011 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Cubs defeated the Astros 5-4 in ten innings. (Photo by David Banks/Getty Images) R:\Merlin\Getty_Photos\119772711.jpg
Updated: July 26, 2011 2:11AM
Miller Park has been Wrigley Field North for much of its existence, but Brewers fans might outnumber Cubs fans now that the home team is contending for the National League Central title.
But the Cubs still feel comfortable there.
‘‘We like playing in that environment; we get a lot of support up there,’’ infielder Jeff Baker said. ‘‘The other thing is they’re ahead of us. It’s one of those series that’s fun. We’ve done well there, it’s not too far from your home city and it’s a big series.’’
The Cubs are next-to-last in the six-team division, but the players still look at the calendar showing more than two months to play.
‘‘We’re not where we want to be, but we’re going to make it difficult on the teams all year long,’’ Marlon Byrd said. ‘‘We’re playing the top teams in our division [on a road trip that continues in St. Louis and Pittsburgh]. We owe it to the rest of the division to battle. It’s a big trip. We keep thinking anything can happen.’’
Manager Mike Quade said winning three in a row in a sweep of the Astros was only a partial goal.
‘‘I’d like to get 12 [straight],’’ Quade said. ‘‘Don’t think we’re not hungry for four in a row.’’
Homers
The series starts a stretch of 18 games against division opponents for the Brewers, who have the division’s best home record at 33-14. They are 20-17 against division opponents.
They’ve lost consecutive home games only once this season (July 4 and 5). Last season, the Brewers had a 40-41 home record.
The Brewers’ starting staff has 14 quality starts in the last 16 games. The Cubs’ staff has seven quality starts in its last 10 games.
