Cubs routed 7-6 by Giants, lineup evolves with capability as Rizzo homers

Photo- John Biever SI

  Small ball with efficient starting pitching leads to okay homestand except for the loss yesterday, 7-6 seems unfathomable.  The Cubs held a 5-0 lead into the 5th inning against the Giants only to allow such a extra cushion to slip away after that.  Early on Anthony Rizzo smashes his 3rd homerun off Ryan Vogelsong to put Chicago ahead.  Starlin Castro scored a run in the second inning as he went 2-for-5.  Everything appeared to turning around for the offense as 17 total runs have accounted for during the homestand.  Although the Cubs were outhit 12-9 Thursday the lineup is overall taking shape.  Nick Schierholtz is the team leader in batting average at .370 so far, managed 3 hits in the loss. 

  Scott Feldman (0-2) went just 4.1 innings allowing 6 runs on 7 hits and 3 walks.  A few errors though were made in the game on routine plays which also impacted the final score.  With better days ahead most favoring the Cubs want to see a permanent starting roation as some point.  The Matt Garza (injury) situation is still unclear on whether or not he's going to be traded.  Management is in dire consequences later this season if they don't find suitable replacements in the outfield for at least two spots.  Without a potent lift there nothing will change much with the expected team record.  Now the Cubs are 3-6 and have won only 1-of-3 at Wrigley Field.

  The previous games this week showed the Cubs getting past the Brewers 6-3 in Game 2 after the disappointing 7-4 outcome on April 8.  Then the game was postponed Wednesday due to rain.  For who the Cubs' have right now on field and those on the injured list the performance is okay.  Another strong or reliable bat off the bench sure could help.  At least to switch around at third base or the outfield.  Other than such soluble options Chicago must trod along and find ways for improved production in the coming weeks. 

  Today Carlos Villaneauva (0-0) takes the mound against the Giants' Matt Cain (0-1).  This shapes up to be a tough game for Chicago.  Don't expect the Cubs to score much today as the Giants' hurler probably will have good command and maintain a quality pitch count.  It may take an near equal pitching display on the Cubs' end to come close.