Samardzija enables Cubs to avoid sweep with 4-3 final

With the return to Wrigley Field to kick off the season it was a bad start with an unreliable bullpen. Game 1 and 2 didn't go to the Cubs' satisfaction. Comebacks by the Nationals on back-to-back days became an annoyance for fans. Still with good weather and a sure fire starter in Jeff Samardzija the Cubs rebounded on Easter Sunday. A sac fly by Alfonso Soriano in the 4th got Chicago blue on the board. Later another hit by the left fielder drove in the second run.

Jeff Samardzija did more than what was needed for the win. He hit an 110 pitch count into the 9th, nearly capitalizing on a complete game. Yielding only 4 hits and one earned run through 8 quality innings the big right-hander played well to the home crowd's approval. It wasn't until a error from Starlin Castro in the 9th off a Ryan Zimmerman ground ball put a bit of uncertainity into the air. The next batter, Adam LaRoche connected on a 2-run homer to make a 4-3 game after the Cubs got 2 insurance runs with an RBI double by Castro and a line drive single for a run off Ian Stewart's bat.

Carlos Marmol, having stinging outings in the opening series, came in to relieve Samardzija with 1 out to record. His mechanics and control looked off as in the previous 2 games at Wrigley. Luckily he got a pop-up to end the game. As a result the starter, Samardzija picked up his first win. Kerry Wood and Marmol must be reliable in the coming months ahead as they both were shaky prior to Sunday. The rest of the bullpen will probably see enough action to get tested in the next series against the Brewers. Chicago needs to pick up the intensity to give proper run support for the starting pitchers.

All and all the Cubs didn't prove much in the opening series versus the Nats. They definitely should have got a sweep. They'll really have to strengthen the bullpen and find good results from a platoon outfield. Fans expect to see smart improvements. The Cubs under new manager Dale Sveum have to find ways to pack their offense with rally hitters and have the bullpen be under control. It won't be easy in April where they play the Cardinals on the road and at home plus contend in the division with the hard-hitting Reds and Brewers.