Cubs take series from Brewers after yesterday’s blowout
After Friday’s impressive walkoff victory after being down 5-0 after the top of the first inning, the Cubs suffered one of their worst defeats of the year yesterday. Rich Hill allowed four runs in the first inning, and though the Cubs were able to respond with two of their own immediately, no one could stop the Brewers’ bats. The game was over quickly; Lee, Ramirez, and Soriano were all given a rest after 5 innings, and every Cub pitcher gave up a run.
So not only was today’s game important because it’s the rubber match against the division leaders with the Cubs finally making a charge in the last few weeks, but their ability to bounce back from yesterday would give some good insight on both teams, even if it’s just one game.
And they produced. Not giving four-plus runs in the first inning definitely helped, as did Theriot and Lee scoring two runs apiece in the first and third innings. Jason Marquis, surrendering only one run in 7 innings, took that lead and never looked back.
Now its on to the pitiful Nationals and Pirates, whose fans tried to organize a mass walkout on Saturday. 6 of 7 is not too much to ask for, and gaining momentum heading into the break is reachable and almost expected at this point. The Cubs are rolling; they’re playing bad teams. It’s time to get some wins.
Here’s some more evidence from Rick Morissey of the Trib on why today’s game was so important. It’s part of Cub tradition to doubt the team after any setback whatsoever, but it’s not like we haven’t got cause. And Pinella’s Punchers haven’t exactly been the most consistent group of players this year, either.
The bullpen is stretched to the max. It’s time to deal Jones and Izturis. If there’s nothing in place by the end of the break, we should just designate them for assignment. There’s no reason we should be wasting $9 Million on these guys, let alone two roster spots.
Rocky Cherry called up, Rocky Cherry to the DL. And Billy Petrick’s back. I’m sure Petrick’s not complaining, but he was here for like 5 days, got sent back, was in
And, finally, from the AP:
What a wild month it was for the Cubs with Carlos Zambrano and former catcher Michael Barrett getting into a fight and manager Lou Piniella getting suspended after a dirt-kicking tirade against an umpire. ``It wasn't wild for me. It may have been wild for Cubland, but it wasn't wild for me,'' Piniella said. ``(Compared to) the teams that I played with the Yankees, it was very tranquil.''
Okay, Lou, whatever you say.
