Rolling into the weekend series, things are starting to look up. The Cubs posted 4 straight wins coming into Friday. Then they got socked by St. Louis in a 11-3 clout at Wrigley. The Cubs pitching staff allowed 6 homeruns. Today, however they got the best of the Cardinals...just barely. Thanks to Phil Nevin's RBI single in the 10th inning the Cubs were able to tie up the series at home. I was pushing for the sweep. They still have a chance to take 2-of-3.
I don't think the Cubs would've won today if it weren't for Carlos Zambrano keeping them so close. Sure, he didn't have one of his best outings, but he lowered his walks total and only gave up 2 earned runs through 7 innings. It's too bad he didn't pick up another win because he deserved it. The pitcher of record was Michael Wuertz, who came in the 9th to earn his first win. Juan Pierre, Neifi Perez, and Ronnie Cedeno collected 2 hits a piece. The lineup had 14 total hits, which is a good sign yet they're still leaving too many runners on base. This is hurting their production and chances of winning late in games.
Carlos Marmol is expected to miss his next start due to sore biceps. The strain on the rotation is on-going this season. It looks like no one can stay fully healthy (except Zambrano). These series though with the Cardinals bring out the best in the Cubs. They play their most inspired baseball. If they keep it up, win tomorrow, and return to St. Louis next week they'll put heavy pressure on the Cardinals. They know the Reds are nipping at their tails. Who knows, the Cubs may be able to get the sweep in St. Louis (It all depends on how well the rotation and bullpen hold up, the offense will have to do their part as well).
The Cubs got lucky again today. Phil Nevin's heroics saved the day, giving Jason Isringhausen (4-6) something to remember while leaving him with a bitter taste in his mouth. Speaking on behalf of all Cubs fans, I think it's plain stupid and incompetent managing to not have Phil Nevin playing on a regular basis at first base. Why in Sam hell does Dusty constantly start Mabry over Nevin? It doesn't make any damn sense. The only thing I can figure is because Mabry is a left-handed batter. On the other hand, he's not even hitting .240 nor has decent on-base percentage. If Dusty chooses not to start Phil tomorrow against Chris Carpenter (11-6) Sunday then his brains are indeed scrambled. Juan Mateo (1-0) will get the start for the Cubs. Oh yeah, it's go time, St. Louis.
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