The Cubs finally managed to break through for a big inning to pull out a 5-3 victory.
Some of my early game notes: Can't these guys take a pitch? Do they have to pull everything? Zambrano saw more pitches in the third inning at bat when he eventually doubled than the entire team saw in the first two innings. What kind of platoon system uses two right-handed hitters at second base and two left-handed hitters in right field?
On the plus side, Carlos Zambrano turned in a quality start and kept the team in the game before he gave way to a cramp in his throwing hand. The back end of the bullpen - Wood, Marshall, Marmol - was impressive.
Quade finally pinch hit for Baker when the Pirates brought in the right-handed Meeks in relief. Fukudome demonstrated once again that it is possible to take three sliders that are a foot out of the strike zone without swinging at even one of them. His patience resulted in a base on balls that ignited the Cubs rally. The Cubs were fortunate to collect a wild pitch to put him in scoring position before Castro's double and lucky again to score the second run on a Byrd grounder that Overbay misplayed.
After Soto sandwiched a hit between two unproductive at-bats by Ramirez and Pena, Soriano displayed unanticipated patience that finally resulted in a game-tying single. Patience and a thoughtful approach spread even to the free-swinging Colvin who took a walk before DeWitt delivered the winning hit, an opposite field double just over the Pirates infield down the left-field line.
All in all, a refreshing change to what was shaping up as a frustrating day. Hopefully these guys will continue to play real baseball tomorrow.
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