"Didn't Expect This": Brewers in First Place Halfway Through Season

As fans streamed into Miller Park Friday night, a cautious sense of optimism was in the air.

The Brewers, expected by many to be out of the race by this point, are very much in it. 

Entering Friday's game, the team held a one-game lead over the defending World Series Champion Cubs. 

    "Honestly, I wasn't expecting to be in first," says Zach Feerick. "No one expected this." 

Through 81 games last year, the Brewers were 35-46. 

In 2015, they're record at this point was 33-48.

This year, the 'Crew is 42-39, riding strong hitting and a pitching staff that has fans excited.

    "Everyone's coming out, they're seeing we're in first place, and they're like 'hey, we've got something pretty good here," says Jeff Smukowski. 

So far this year, the Brewers have played only one game at Miller Park to a crowd of less than 20,000 - an early season win against the Reds.

    "More people are going in earlier instead of staying in the parking lot later," says Jenn Downy. "Being a number one team right now, it's just better." 

As the calendar flips to July, and as the 2nd half gets underway, some are hoping to see the Brewers add another piece.

     "The Brewers could make a couple of moves and put themselves in a good position," says Ryan Richardson. "I'm hoping they can keep it up." 

Others are hoping the team doesn't mortgage its future to win now. 

    "I think they should ride it out and see what happens," says Nate Punzel.