Too much talk and rumors have swirled around about the Cubs offense since Alfonso Soriano has returned. By the numbers the run production was better without him in the lineup. However, this was for a couple of weeks in April and the Cubs went on a win streak. I saw Soriano's approach at the plate in Game 1 against the Cardinals. Swinging at pitches too far off the plate and in the dirt frustrated and annoyed Cub fans. Then he hit that 2-run homer in the 9th to tie the game despite the Cubs losing in extras 4-3. The star slugger will come around and be a valuable to the lineup when he regains his hitting stroke and stays healthy.
Bouncing back from Friday's loss the Cubs came out strong driving in 9 runs to give Ted Lilly the run support he needed to record his 2nd win. Mike Fontenot cracked a 3-run shot off Kyle Lohse in the 4th, scoring Soto and DeRosa. Later he drew a bases loaded walk to give the Cubs a 9-3 lead. Ted Lilly pitched a smooth game, having things go his way pitching 7 innings and allowing 3 earned runs on 6 hits and a walk. He also recorded his 1,000 career strikeout. Fukudome helped fuel the offense with 3 hits and 2 RBIs. He's been the one constant steady batter in the lineup, hope his success rubs off on everyone else on the team.
The Cubs can't get the sweep, though can take back first place in the Central with a win today. Lou seems to have his mind made up on keeping Soriano as the everyday lead-off man. I didn't have a problem with as long as Sori manages to get on base and cut down on those strikeouts. With Rich Hill being sent down to the minors the rotation will be altered a little bit, best luck to him on developing his mechanics and control. Today a good start from Jason Marquis (1-1) against Todd Wellemeyer (2-1) can enable the Cubs to take 2-of-3 in this epic road series.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment