Or to the reader who may have read yesterday's comments, I told you so. Today the Cubs got a nicely pitched game from Wells and entered the 9th inning down by three runs. Cordero, the Reds closer, seemed determined to continue his strategy of never throwing a strike if he could avoid it. The result was that he walked the bases loaded before he hit Starlin Castro to force in a run. By then even Dusty had seen enough so he summoned Nick Masset from the bullpen. Unfortunately, the Cubs were playing the righties of doom lineup or were at the beginning of the stretch where four straight guys who are essentially the same hitter bat one after the other. Lee struck out. Ramirez, who probably should not be lumped in with the others, walked, but Byrd again made the final out, this time seeing four pitches, three of which were balls, and striking out on a pitch that was a foot outside the strike zone. I should note that Lou helped matters along by allowing Hill to hit and strike out ear;ier in the inning when Fontenot and Colvin were still available as pinch-hitters.
For those who hate and despise Kosuke Fukudome and blame him for all the ills of the world, please note that he has started the last two games and has reached base in six of his nine plate appearances, twice on hits and four times on walks. He has also made two very good plays in the outfield, today making a nice diving catch and doubling up the Cincinnati runner who had strayed from first base. One may also note that Soriano continued to shine, striking out once and hitting into a double play.
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