Closing out the end of the week could have been sweet if things would have gone according to plan. Sunday the Cub offense was more than active and productive. Greg Maddux just didn't have good stuff out there on the mound. The Cubs gave him a 5-3 lead towards the 5th inning, but old Mad Dog couldn't hold it.
Stat line on Maddux (6-5): 5 IP, 9 H, 6 ER, 2 BB 4.77 ERA
Well, that's the kind of rotten luck the Cubs have at odd times. Moving onto Houston in the road trip starting Monday, the Cubs really needed this sweep.
If there is anything good to know, the Cubs are 6-3 this year against the Cards. That still doesn't make up for their standing in the division with 33 losses and 11 games below .500. The Pirates are on the verge of jumping in front of the games for 5th place. This is freaking pathetic. I know with the steady improvement from the offense and acquisition of Phil Nevin things are supposed to be looking up for the Cubs.
You would think with the injury to Albert Puljos this would be to the Cubs' favor. Not in the last game of the series with a 9-6 loss. It's a shame that they can't capitalize on opportune situations. Juan Pierre again struggled to reach base. He did manage a hit in 4 at-bats. When he takes hard cuts and swings at first pitches he's not going to help the team. Relying on his speed by bunting and slapping grounders in the hole along the infield is what he needs to be doing.
Sunday wasn't a good day for Matt Murton either at the plate either. This kid is still learning and growing so it may take him some time to figure out certain pitchers. He'll find his stroke again when he's able to start taking advantage of being ahead in the count. This week the Cubs are set to the play the Astros and Reds to finish their road trip before returning to Wrigley to face the Tigers in interleague play. Carlos Zambrano (3-3 3.39 ERA) will get the start Monday at Houston against Fernado Nieve (1-3).
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