And make no mistake, a pitching meltdown is really what it was last night, as the Brewers jumped out on Jason Marquis early, and slugged their way to a 10-7 win at Wrigley.

This was one of those nights that you would have expected a classic 3-2 pitching duel. The wind was blowing in, two better than average pitchers on the mound, and it was cold; much more so than the 38 degree start time temperature, I promise. However, the offense for both teams put runs on the board very easily. And Jason Marquis was in trouble from the very start. After serving up a ringing double to Mike Cameron -- who showed no rust last night in his return from suspension, going 3-5, with a walk -- was able to settle down enough to get out of the first down only 1-0. However, the wheels totally came off in the 3rd inning. The Brewers scored three, highlighted by a Prince Fielder double and Corey Hart triple; which by the way may have been the hardest balls you've seen hit that stayed in the park. Marquis settled down again in the 4th, only to give up another run in the 5th, and give him an early trip to the showers; and by then, you knew it wasn't the Cubs night.

And it wasn't, as the relief core was no better. Kevin Hart -- who looked awful -- gave up four hits and three earned runs in an inning and a third. Sean Marshall, Weurtz and Lieber proved to be a touch better in relief, giving up a run between them in a little over two innings. But none looked especially good.

Fortunately, Cubs hitter did keep it interesting for most of the game. And this was one of the better performances in recent memory that they've had against Ben Sheets. Nice to see after watching Ben shutout the Cubs over six innings on Opening Day. Derrek Lee homered early to help keep the game competitive, and Chicago was able to tie the game by the end of the inning. And after falling behind 9-4 in the seventh, the Cubs were able to close the gap to 9-7 with three runs in the 7th; two on a Mike Fontenot double. But that's as good as it got, as the Brewers scored again late, and went home with the win.

Welcome. We're officially into the 2008 season. Proving that even the better teams have their struggles, the Cubs are now losers of four of five, after winning their previous eight of ten. It's a good team, and still my division favorite, so I hope no one will worry too much. Let's start a new streak tonight. And I can't think of a better showcase for it than a nationally-televised game on ESPN. In the meantime, check out the multimedia from last night's game. And tell me what you think about the video. I happen to be one the few Chicagoans that have no beef with the Brewers, or their fans. But the videos give you a feel of the general animosity. And I thought they were a little funny. Well, till tonight then.