100 losses back in play for Cubs

MILWAUKEE — As recently as June 24, the Cubs were on pace to lose 108 games. The franchise record is 103.

A run of respectability got them off that dubious pace, but in the wake of the trade-deadline roster clean-out, the Cubs again are challenging for triple-digit losses.

After Wednesday's 3-2 loss to the Brewers, they're on pace for a record of 62-100.

“Everybody knows that the 100-losses thing is obviously a number, but I think in a baseball season, you're going day to day,” said manager Dale Sveum. “You don't really think about the final outcome of your record as much as winning that day. That's the bottom line. Obviously, nobody wants to lose 100 games. You have to just plug away ever single day and grind it out. We've got to get some ... we've got to start grinding. That's the bottom line. You have to grind things out.”

Cubs pitcher Travis Wood agreed with his manager. Wood pitched respectably in suffering his seventh straight defeat as he fell to 4-10 with a 4.76 ERA. He worked 7 innings, giving up 6 hits and 3 runs. The Brewers hit 3 doubles off Wood in the first inning to take a 2-1 lead. Ryan Braun homered off Wood in the sixth. It was Braun's 34th.

“Just grind it out,” Wood said. “Do everything you can every at-bat, every pitch, every play. Do everything you can to make sure you make the play, have good at-bats and pitch a good game.”

Cubs teams went 59-103 in 1962 and 1966.

Days of rest:Left fielder Alfonso Soriano didn't play against the Brewers. With Thursday's scheduled day off, he'll get a two-day break. #8220;Just give him two days off in a row,#8221; said Dale Sveum. #8220;We got 20 games in a row coming up with three day games right in a row, so I've got to pick some time to give him days off.#8220;The production since May 15 has been pretty darn good. We try to keep him healthy. I haven't been able to give him as many days off as I want to because of the productivity he's given us and putting him in the middle of the lineup, we just don't have that guy to replace him all the time.#8221;Cubs fire scouts:The front-office purge continued as the Cubs fired six scouts. On the pro side, the biggest name let go was former big-leaguer Richie Zisk. Other pro scouts fired were Joe Housey, Tom Bourque and Tom Shafer.On the amateur side, the Cubs fired regional cross-checker Charlie Aliano and area scout Rick Schroeder.BBN20031687Chicago Cubs' Darwin Barney breaks up a double play as Milwaukee Brewers' Rickie Weeks makes a late throw to first on a bunt by Travis Wood during the third inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) BBN