Cubs 83-74, +2
Marlins 67-90, -20
POTG: CF Keystone Monroe (2R HR)
Runner Up: RP Michael Wuertz (2IP, 0R, 0H, 3K)
This is not a night Andy Fletcher will look back at proudly. I know the Cubs have had some bad umpiring games this season, but this sure seemed like the worst. The strike zone was bumped 1-2 ball widths outside, with pitches clearly missing the strike zone being called strikes. The Cedeno “strikeout swinging” was an all time bad call, and seemingly a sign the umpire was reacting to the questioning of his calls by making even more questionable calls.
It’s good thing A Ram is the type to say something and keep on walking, because being ejected will probably only get him a fine here. It was kinda lucky he was the only one – DeRosa was just as ticked after his strikeout.
Bad calls aside, this was not the best of efforts by the Cubs.
1st inning: 11 pitches
5th Inning: 7 pitches (including a 4 pitch walk by Murton!)
6th Inning: 10 pitches
7th Inning: 10 pitches
D-Train was good but not THAT good. The Cubs didn’t keep the energy level up from the home series and it showed. With the Brewers annihilating the Cardinals, it was a bad time for a let down. Made for a quick game, though.
Possibilities remaining for a draw (or worse)
(Brewers get unnaturally hot)
Brewers go 5-0, Cubs go 3-2
(Cubs collapse in a horrible fashion)
Brewers go 4-1 (or better), Cubs go 2-3
Brewers go 3-2 (or better), Cubs go 1-4
Brewers go 2-3 (or better), Cubs go 0-5
It’s on the Cubs, and I think they’re still plenty good enough to go 3-2. I’m a bit more nervous after losing that game, though. Lose another and you’ll have just about everyone freaking out.
as an aside: totally rooting for the Rockies to make it or at worst, cause some sort of tie at the end of the season. I was so annoyed with the Giants for giving up the game versus the Padres.