Cubs 71-67, +0.5
Dodgers 73-66, -4.0
POTG: SP Ted Lilly (6 IP, 2 R, BB, 3 K, W [14/73])
Runner Up: 2B Mark DeRosa (3 H, 2B, SB, 2R, 2 RBI, BB), 3B A Ram (HR [20/216], 2 RBI, 2 IBB, HBK), C El Soto (2 H, R, RBI, BB, though could use some sign reading help)
So the Cubs’ half of innings have taken on a new level of enjoyment with me lately. Anytime someone gets an extra base hit to get a run in, I can go “look, look – POWER = WINS”, even though the idea of “HOME RUNS = GOOD” is not exactly revolutionary thought. Last night, once Ram hit the bomb, I felt pretty good that the team was on their way to a win. They had it, even before the Dodgers stretched the game out a half hour longer by imploding.
I could do with no more Cowboy Joe West games. I have a feeling Lou didn’t as much screw up the double switch in two games as the umpire wanted to make a point about something or other and Lou happened to be doing a move at the wrong time. I really would’ve appreciated an explanation from the umps about why they held up the game this time, but nothing again. I figure that means Cowboy Joe just wanted to get on TV some more.
Lilly had another good start here, Howery and Dempster were fine, and the Dodgers relievers blowing up can only help for today. (6 guys for 6 outs was quite incredible.) Lowe vs Marquis is a tough matchup for the Cubs, but they really need to split this series.