The Cubs got two very good pitching performances from Ryan Dempster and Carlos Zambrano respectively to close out the Dodgers series and the road trip on a winning note. These games followed the script of most of the Cubs solid performances, sharp starting pitching, solid relief, just enough offense to get by. The Zambrano game was something of an exception. They got enough offense through the middle innings to have the game well in hand throughout.
Friday's game against the Reds saw some really strange plays, mostly by the Reds, an indifferent performance from Matt Garza, who, until then, seemed to have turned the corner. Once again the Cubs could not come through in the clutch. Bad or unlucky at-bats all through the order, 2 for 12 RISP. Clearly a game they should have won.
Fukudome, Barney, and Castro are coming down to earth a bit, but this is going to happen. Nobody holds a .500 OBP all year, but the Cubs are still creating chances. Pena looks a lot more comfortable and controlled at the plate. But the weakness still is thoughtful, patient at-bats with men on base. No question this is going to be a problem all year.
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