Filed: September 6th, 2008
The Chicago Cubs broke a six-game losing streak Saturday -- beating the Reds 14-9 -- by getting back to what they've done all year; strong starting pitching, good execution, and capitalizing on shaky opposition pitching to extend innings. Oh, and knocking the ball out of the park. The Cubs had four home runs in all, including a spectacular three home runs by Alfonso Soriano. And for that, we say:
Cheers
To Alfonso Soriano, for putting the team on your back, and carrying them to a win. Three home runs, and five RBI. Amazing. We're hoping it's the start of one of those classic 10-game hot streaks, which would likely help put this thing away
Jeers
To Kosuke Fukudome, benched in favor of Micah Hoffpauir. Get it together quick man, or get used to the wood. According to Lou:
"These last 20 games, I'm going to try to play a lineup we can win with. I've played everybody all year, everybody's had opportunities over here. Now, we're going to try to play a lineup that's going to win a baseball game that particular night."
That's code over here man for:"I'm done with you till you get right".
Cheers
To Jason Marquis, who gave seven-plus innings of two run ball. A couple of more starts even close to this in September, and we'll all be Marquis fans.
Jeers
To umpire Brian Runge, whose ball four call on Chris Dickerson resulted in a walked-in run, and the explosion of Mt. Saint Marquis. Brian, Jason's mouthing off was a bit over the line, but you can't give a guy that pitch all night, and then not suddenly with the bases loaded.
Cheers
To Reed Johnson, who probably can expect to see more September starts after a 2-4 night. Michah Hoffpauir was 0-4 in his start, and Lou does love that hot hand.
Jeers
To the bullpen, especially Michael Wuertz, who turned a blowout into something competitive enough to merit a Carlos Marmol appearance. Eight runs in two innings of work. Shameful. Hopefully, it was just a bad night. Personally though, I think when the Tigers came calling before the start of this season for Michael, the Cubs should have sold high.
Cheers
To Joey Votto, for going 0-4, an apparently leaving his hot hand at home last night. Cub fans thank you.
Enough. Go win the rubber match.