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We need this one...

Sunday, July 11, 2004

... but I doubt we'll get it. Even with Wood returning, (which I see as a detriment to our chances to win tonight, just because he's coming back and hasn't pitched for two months,) I don't think the Cubs have a win in them. Not with a starting lineup that includes Rey Ordonez, Jose Macias, and an ice cold Moises Alou (as in 0-15 cold)

The game is just getting underway on ESPN, and it is easily the most important game of the year. Still, part of me says that win or lose, this game won't make a difference in the final standings, but rather the division will be decided in the second half. On the other hand, ask the 2003 Houston Astros what one additional win over the Cubs would have meant... So yes, this game is a must win.

The irony of this game, is that it might be more beneficial for the Cubs if they lose this game. SACRILEGE! you allege, but I think that if the Cubs took 3 days off and had to ponder a 9 game deficit and a six game losing streak... we might see a more determined team return from the break. If we win this game, I am concerned that Dusty will spin a positive picture for these guys and we won't see a team with a sense of urgency after the break.

Of course, I may just be full of it, another one of those ignorant, outspoken web bloggers out there... in fact, I'm pretty sure thats the case, so I'm saying GO CUBS! tonight.

Auditioning as Nostradamus: I wouldn't be suprised if Kerry Wood hits a home run tonight. He has a habit of hitting home runs when he comes back from an injury. Like in 2000 during his first start... I think there is another one too... I'll look it up later.

In Game Update: Sammy just hit a three run home run in Kerry Wood's return. Somewhere, Matt Clement is feeling a tingling sensation in his elbow... might get some offensive support that way.

Post Game Update: Whew... Cubs looked to have a laugher on their hands after an 8-1 lead, but LaTroy Hawkins had a rocky 9th, allowing three runs (one earned due to a C-Pat error) and recorded the final out with two men on.

All the end-of-game drama aside, Cubs won 8-4, with Kerry Wood allowing three hits, one earned run, and 5 strikeouts with 2 walks in 5 "pitch-count-limited" innings. He proved to be what the doctor ordered as the Cubs offense finally had a break out game.

As mentioned above, Sammy had a three run smash and 5 RBI's. Michael Barrett also hit a solo home run and an RBI single to drive in Moises Alou, with Corey Patterson contributing an RBI with an infield single ahead of Sammy Sosa's two out three run homer in the third.

Greg Maddux Sacrifice Bunt Watch: This section has been dead for about a month now, but gets revived because Maddog pinch hit tonight for Mike Remlinger in order to get a sacrifice bunt. Also related, the Cardinals' pitchers failed to get down another sacrifice bunt today (Chris Carpenter in the 3rd), which makes two this series.

All-in-all, this was a good game, and a relaxing one for Cubs fans who will now be able to stop hyperventilating for the next three games. However, I am still concerned that this team will not return after the break with a sense of urgency... which it needs.

The Cubs lost their fifth straight game yesterday, 5-2 to the Cardinals. Again, this loss should be blamed on the slumping offense, however Glendon Rusch allowed two runs in the eighth when he came on in relief, allowing a 3-2 Cardinals lead to become 5-2.

Posted by Byron at July 11, 2004 7:21 PM | | |

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