Cubs 27-17, 1st (+2.0)
Pirates 21-23, 4th (-6.0)
POTG: SP Jason Marquis (6 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, BB, 3 K, W [2/70], QS [3])
This is one of those impossible to pick POTGs. No one did a lot, but everyone did a little bit and it was all necessary to win this 8th game on the homestand. I tend to lean towards the pitchers in these situations, so Marquis gets the nod here. You never know how many more he might get.
No way the 2007 or any other team in the 00’s wins this game. This years team had 7 different guys taking a walk. On a day where the team only got four hits, and not a single extra base one, it was absolutely necessary to get what base runners any way possible and the Cubs did awful well to squeeze out four runs from that offensive output. Everytime the team gets typecasted as one that can only win with the homerun, they can point back to at least this game.
Jason Marquis was good enough here, and the bullpen set up just like Lou wanted for this season – starter gives six innings, Howry, Marmol, Wood shut down the opposition for one each. I’m not sure what this leaves for Monday’s game, though. Marmol’s worked back to back days, and Kerry’s worked 4 of the last five. They could use a long start.
This Astros series is looking bigger than I would’ve thought, with Berkman carrying the team to striking distance. The rotations issues are still there, as seen in this series
05/19: Lilly vs Brian Moehler – bullpen pitcher pulled into the rotation due to Wandy Rodriguez’s injury. Hasn’t made it past five innings.
05/20: Dempster vs Chris Sampson – got lit up by the Giants last time out. The Giants! Gave up 5 ER in three of the last four starts (the other being an inexplicable shutout of the Dodgers.)
05/21: Gallagher vs Shawn Chacon – Shawn Chacon is still in the league, who knew. Somehow has manged to start 9 games and not get a decision yet.
Lots of scoring to come.