The game stayed 1-0 until the Cubs added 2 runs in the 4th thanks to RBIs by Theriot and Lee.
Ted Lilly took a no-hitter into the second today! Spillborghs flew out, and Helton was called out on strikes. It looked like it might be a very special Home Opener for the Chicago Cubs. However, Garrett Atkins hit a ground ball single to left and Lilly's no hit bid ended. Ted took no hitters into the 7th twice last year!
After the Atkins single, Seth Smith drew a walk. Ted Lilly was removed from the game. The Cubs fans gave him a big cheer as he strolled to the dugout. Angel Guzman got a big out to end the inning. Aaron Heilman worked a scoreless 8th inning. If Marmol and Heilman continue to pitch well, the middle relief situation is going to be fine.
In the bottom of the 8th, the Cubs added an insurance run on an RBI single by Kosuke Fukudome. Kevin Gregg came on in the 9th to try to close it out. He struck on Spillborghs for the first out, then he walked Todd Helton. Atkins, who had the only Rockie hit of the day, struck out. Seth Smith struck out for the final out. Cubs Win! Kevin Gregg gets the save!
What a game by Ted Lilly! Only 1 hit by the Rockies all day!
Game Highlight: Koyie Hill walks with the bases loaded in the second to bring in the first run of the game for the Cubs.
My Player of the Game: Ted Lilly: 6.2 IP, 1 Hit, 2 BB, 0 ER!
Up Next: Off Day tomorrow, game 2 of the series Wednesday at 1:20 CT.
Injury Notes:
- Geovany Soto did not play, he should be back in the lineup Wednesday.
- Milton Bradley is still day-to-day with a groin injury, he did not play.
- Aramis Ramirez sat out with a sore back, I'd expect him back in the lineup on Wednesday.
Lou after the Game:
- It would have been a tough decision if Ted had kept the no-hitter through 7 because it is so early in the season.
- Guzman came in and got a big out.
- Gregg is getting sharper.
- This was a small ball type lineup, Lou says we "worked the count pretty well, put the ball in play, and bunted a few times. It was a good ball game all the way around."
- The message to Lilly was to be aggressive and throw the ball over the plate.
- When you win 5 out of the first 7 you are pleased, but there is some work to be done with this team.
- The guys are playing hard and good things are happening.
- "Let's just keep winning," he said.
- Lou was asked about the dead goat found on Harry Caray's statue this morning. He said, "Poor Harry Caray."
- Milton Bradley will need 3-5 days off.
- Lou says Fukudome did fine in the 3 hole.
Shifting gears, it was a sad day for Major League Baseball today as the game lost a pair of legends. The great Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas passed today. Pat Hughes, Harry's good friend, said, "He absolutely loved this game. I know he was going to do a great job for today's game between the Phillies and the Nationals. I'm going to miss him, I really am." Tigers legend Mark "The Bird" Fidrych was also found dead today. Lots of bad news lately. I'd like to send my condolences to the families and friends of these legends.
A Note: All of MLB will wear #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson on Jackie's day this year!
Cubs win 4-0! A great home opener! Off Day tomorrow.
The Cubs are 5-2!
Bullpen stepped up and did a good job today, especially after Heilman(sp?)got a little "pep talk" from Lou. Would have been nice to get that no-hitter, but Lily had 90+ in that 7th inning. Would have been even nicer for someone to get a 2 out hit with the bases loaded to blow the game open (looking at you Miles). Good pitching, patience at the plate, nice home win! Keep it going!!
ReplyDeleteYeah, it was a great win. Can't complain about Miles yet because he hasn't gotten that many ABs. Today's game was a lot more "normal" for games in early April than those Cubs VS Brewers games!
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