Cubs drop close one in extra innings to M's

I got so amped up for this Interleague series with the Mariners at Wrigley since it marks the first time ever the two teams have faced off. Last night, unfortunately luck shifted to the visitors side as the Cubs didn't push across a run in 5 consecutive innings and and lost the game in the 13th. Rich Hill pitched a fine game and it sure sucks when the lineup doesn't give him sufficient run support. The inability to execute in the clutch often has been the story for the Cubs since April.

The main source of offense came from Derek Lee and Michael Barrett. Both had 2 hits and a piece with 2 RBIs. Their production alone couldn't compensate for the 5-3 deficit the ball club found themselves in extra innings. Consistency is still an area this team must really work to improve. They're lost too many close games in the first half of the season. The young guys, Pie and Fontenot punched out one hit each and showcase great potential. The lost fell to Will Ohman (0-4), who entered the game in extra innings. Hill went 6.2 innings allowing 3 earned runs on 8 hits and a walk.

As far as a production standpoint the Cubs were only out hit 14 to 12, but it was Jose Guillen's homer in the 3rd which keep the M's ahead for most of the game. Aramis Ramirez' absence is hurting run production for the lineup and with him now being on the 15-day DL other guys have to assume bigger roles on the team. Keeping Soriano and Pie back-to-back in the lineup as often as possible is the best strategy Lou can take in my view.

Finding more at-bats for Cliff Floyd and Jacque Jones is still in question. Those two veterans have the power and the Cubs can definitely use their bats in key situations off the bench. Hopefully 'Ole Lou will know what to do. Let's take 2-of-3 from the M's!