Both the Cubs and Brewers continued doing what they've been doing throughout this four-game series, and the results Wednesday night were the same. The Brewers homer-happy bats going quiet, their bullpen proving shaky, and defense suspect; the Cubs executing pitches, getting timely hits, and extending innings, resulting ultimately in a 7-2 Cubs win. They've now taken the first three from the Brewers, with a chance to complete the previously unthinkable four-game sweep this afternoon.

If you're a Cubs fan, you're pressed to find any fault in the game last night. Ryan Dempster -- who picked up his 12th win of the season -- was effective, the bats -- with 14 hits and eight walks -- were fantastic, and the bullpen was lights out. Unfortunately for the Brewers, this game was a hot mess for them from the outset. Literally. With two out in the first, Reed Johnson strikes out on a pitch that should have ended the inning. Instead, starter Manny Parra throws a wild pitch, allowing Johnson to reach base. The next batter then hits a single to center to score Derrek Lee, setting the tone for the the entire game. The Cubs continued to work Parra and extend innings, and finally got to him in the sixth inning, scoring three times in all; the killer hit coming from a two-rbi triple by Ryan Theriot.

However, the most interesting move of the night was probably in the ninth inning, with reliever Brian Shouse in, and the game holding at an at least interesting 5-1. Now, I can appreciate Ned Yost's decision to let him deal with Kosuke Fukudome, who grounded out weakly to 2nd base. However, I'm at a loss to figure out why he stuck with Shouse, especially after giving up consecutive hits to Henry Blanco and Ronny Cedeno. It cost him. Brian walked the next two batters, and ultimately Blanco and Cedeno would come back to score before Guillermo Mota would come in to clean up the mess. Top of the lineup, with runners on, and you stick with the lefty? Against the Cubs? Dumb. And with that any momentum that the Brewers might have had died.

Anyway, it's a short turnaround today. It's getaway day, and there is a 1:05 start time. I say get greedy and go for the sweep. Pull out all the stops. In the meantime -- not that you need to be reminded -- the non-waiver trade deadline is today at 4:00 Eastern. The most interesting news so far has to be tentative deals sending Ken Griffey, Jr. to the White Sox, and Manny Ramirez to the Marlins. However, I hear that St. Louis is shopping Kyle Loshe. Huh? I'm not generally a big ESPN fan, but I'm loving the Trade Deadline blog. Good stuff.