It was a crazy game today. Cubs VS Brewers games are always, fun. Especially when the good guys come out on top in the end....
The Brewers struck first against Zambrano in the bottom of the 3rd when Prince Fielder hit a 2 run homer. Kosuke, who has started the season on fire, cut the lead in half with a long ball of his own against Dave Bush in the top of the 4th. However, the Milwaukee responded with a run in the bottom of inning number 4. It was 3-1 after 5.
In the top of the 6th the Cubs tied the game on back-to-back extra base knocks by Kosuke and Soriano. Fukudome was on 3rd base with nobody out, but after Lee was robbed by Bill Hall Bradley hit a ground ball to first and Kosuke was thrown out at the plate. So the Brewers still lead.
Zambrano left after 6 strong. Mike Fontenot lead off the second with a walk, and then Ryan Theriot singled. Koyie Hill failed to bunt them over, but with 2 strikes he came through with a single. Fontenot held at 3rd and they were loaded. Hoffpauir struck out pinch hitting. Soriano hit a double play ball to short, but luckily for the Cubs he was called safe on a close play at first. Cubs tie the game, but score just the one run. You want to get more when you have the bases loaded and nobody out!
Things were a little shaky once the Cubs turned it over to the bullpen that I complained about yesterday. After retiring the first man, Angel Guzman walked 2 guys in a row. These relief pitchers need to throw strikes! So Lou brought Cotts in to face Fielder. Neal walked the big man to load them up with one away. Piniella was so furious that he sent Larry Rothschild to remove Cotts from the game. Heilman was the guy unlucky enough to inherit the unenviable situation. J.J. Hardy singled up the middle against Aaron to bring in 2 runs, and Milwaukee led the game 5-3.
With two outs in the 8th, Aramis Ramirez gave us hope with a solo home run. Fontenot walked but then Theriot grounded into a fielder's choice to end the frame. Cubs still trail 5-4. Heilman stays in the game and works a solid 8th inning.
To the 9th we go, down 5-4. Koyie Hill flies out, one down. Reed Johnson comes up with a big pinch hit single. And then, "Soriano's due for a home run Ronnie. And he drives one! Get out the tape measure!" Everyone goes crazy! (That's Pat Hughes' call of the dramatic home run.)
What a big 2-run, go ahead, 9th inning homer for Sori! Amazing!
But, it's not over yet. The Cubs have had trouble closing out games. Lou made a smart move and used Carlos Marmol in the 9th as the closer instead of Kevin Gregg. Week grounded out. Hart singled. Winning run aboard. Braun strikes out. It comes down to Marmol against Fielder, power against power. Carlos strikes him out looking! Cubs win 6-5!
Game Highlight: It's got to be Soriano's game winning home run to put the Cubs in the lead in the top of the 9th.
My Player(s) of the Game: I have to give out 4 today. Soriano for the aforementioned game winning homer. Kosuke for his solo home run and double. Fukudome has really been looking better so far this year. Zambrano for a solid start. And last but not least, Marmol for finally closing this game out.
Up Next: The rubber match of the 3 game set is tomorrow night on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball at 7 PM CT. Ryan Dempster VS Jeff Suppan. *Tip- Mute Miller and Morgan and turn up Pat and Ron!
I'm still concerned about Lee, Bradley, and the bullpen, but as long as the Cubs win, I'm happy!
Let's do it again tomorrow! (Well, not exactly the same as today, but you know what I mean.)
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I am not concerned about Bradley, but I am 100% concerned about DLEE and the bullpen. GOD, please help the bullpen and DLEE. They both look REALLY bad.
ReplyDeleteLee got rob on 2 hits, he cant buy one. I would rather have Aaron Miles pitch instead of Cotts.
ReplyDeleteCott's job is to come in against the opposing teams best hitter or tandem of hitters.
ReplyDeleteCotts has had a slow start to the season, but he did pitch OK last year. The problem is, he is the only lefty in the bullpen so we have to keep him unless there is somebody better at AAA.
ReplyDeleteI really don't think Lee should be hitting 3rd. With Kosuke on fire maybe he can lead off, Theriot second, Soriano 3rd, then Bradley, Ramirez, Lee, Fontenot, Soto.
Well guys, if Cotts is just going to come in and walk one batter every game, I guess Aaron Miles could do that too!
LHPs on I-Cubs Roster: J.R. Mathes and Jason Waddell. Waddell could be in the big leagues sometime in the near future. Lou has no patience for Relievers who don't throw strikes.
The 'pen is definitely the biggest concern! I hope things improve out there!!
But the Cubs won, be happy!