Getting all hopes up as a Cubs fan usually is a waste of time. I knew this 07 Cubs team was lucky to enter the playoffs considering how inconsistent their offense was all year long. This aspect of their game haunted them last night in Arizona. Heading back to Chicago they're facing elimination, down 0-2 after last night's 8-4 loss. As mentioned by the TBS broadcasters covering the game the Cubs seemed to have underestimated the D-backs. Then again most of their lineup is filled with virtual unknowns and who would've expected the Arizona bullpen to hold leads so well.
During crunch time the Cub bats have gone silent for the most part in this series. Zambrano did a heck of job in Game 1 and when he left the game in the 7th the Cubs still didn't provide any run support for him. He definitely should've won that game instead of seeing it slip away and the Cubs being defeated 3-1. As a continuation from the regular season the Cubs lineup is leaving way too many runners on base. This has caused them to have forced their backs against the wall and must win 3 consecutive games in order to advance to the second round.
Ted Lilly had nothing working in his favor Thursday night and only pitched 4 innings, yielding 6 runs in the process. Giovanni Soto did crack a 2-run homer in the early innings to give the starter a lead, but after that the batting order failed to scratch another run home until the 7th or 8th with a pinch-hit 2-run double by Daryl Ward. That has to be frustrating for a pitcher, who constantly must be reminded of the score or have it on his mind. Game 1 was a great pitcher's duel between Zambrano and Webb. Unfortunately, Webb gained a few insurance runs from his teammates in the 8th inning. I'm still wondering though why Lou pulled Carlos from the game so soon as he only reached around a 85-pitch count...not sure what the conversation was like on the mound.
The Cubs face more than an uphill battle returning to Wrigley Field for Game 3 and possibly Game 4. Unable to score sufficient runs (with this type of lineup it's unbelievable) pulling off a miracle is what it's going to take. Heck, even last night the D-backs were allowing them to get back in the game when Ojeda bobbled a toss to turn a double-play in the 9th. That left runners on first and second with 1 out. Lee and Ramirez were 1-for-9 in the game and both struck out in their final at-bats. There is no way the Cubs will survive at home if both sluggers duplicate this offensive breakdown.
*As a special feature link for the playoffs Cub fans check out Mark DeRosa's blog and read his thoughts and opinions on the division series.
I'm also a little bothered with the starters for Game 3. Jason Marquis ought to be starting rather than Rich Hill against Livan Hernandez. I know experience hasn't been much of a factor so far, but I like the chances better with veteran vs. veteran. It just makes more sense to me. However, if the lineup doesn't produce enough runs it won't matter who starts Game 3. Winning a low scoring one-run game most likely isn't in the cards for the Cubs. With today off I can only imagine what the players are thinking. I'd like to see a bolt of electricity charge those darn bats (more wishful thinking) or the guys in blue get a surge of adrenaline and ride the momentum. Fight, fight, fight Cubs the crowd is fully behind you at Wrigley! Let's get a win!
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