D-Rays strike first in series with 3-2 victory

Darn those resilient Tampa Bay Devil Rays! They must be on a mission in '08 the same as the Cubs. Spoiling Lou Piniella's return to Tropicana Field his former team slipped past the Cubs for 3-2 win. It all came down to one influential game-saving play in the 9th. Reed Johnson laid down a good bunt and 9 times out 10 the runner would be safe at first. Unfortunately for the Cubs Kosuke Fukudome was on third due to a pass ball yet didn't score due to a bare handed throw by Ray's third baseman Evan Longoria. He also hit a solo homerun in the 6th inning. The Cubs first ever game at Tampa Bay was a real nail-biter. It's too bad luck wasn't on their side last night.

I noticed that Matt Murton is back with the team and got the start in Game 1 in left field. Glad to see back in the Majors and getting the at-bats. Lou know has his share of outfielders choose from and to shake things up. Ryan Dempster got robbed in the start for the first game of the series. Nothing to complain about his performance going 5 innings on the mound to pitch 6-hit 1-run ball with 2 walks allowed. The Cubs are playing with a greater will on the road and have lost 2 games on the trip by a run. Right now the two hottest teams in baseball are locking up for a entertaining series. While Chicago fights to stay ahead in the NL Central the D-Rays are anxious to jump in front of Boston to reclaim first place in the AL East.

With another quality start tonight from Carlos Zambrano (8-2) the bullpen can be used sparingly if needed at all. It's surprising how all this young guys (fairly unknown, but not for long) is are flourishing for the D-Rays. I've never seen Andy Sonnanstine (7-3) who's heading to the mound for Game 2, but I'm sure he's a tough customer. The Cubs have to find a way to contain Evan Longoria who is the part of the team nucleus and glue which holds them together.

From a coach's perspective I'd reward Reed Johnson for his recent upstanding overall performance and give him the start in center or left field. Lou has several options for DH and can go with Cedeno on the infield who's shown to be a reliable contact hitter with runners in scoring position. The Cubs want to give Piniella a win against his former team as they will have to cool off those surging D-Rays. Let's go Cubs!!