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NLDS - Game One - Cubs 1 Diamondbacks 3
WP - Brandon Webb (1-0) LP - Carlos Marmol (0-1) Save - Jose Valverde (1)
Diamondbacks Lead Series, 1-0
Lou Piniella's crew had plenty of opportunities to win the first game of the divisional series but struggled once again with runners in scoring position. The Cubs left 8 runners on base and had runners on in each of the first 6 innings against Brandon Webb. They finished the night 1-for-10 with RISP. The lone Cubs run scored on a bases loaded infield single by Ryan Theriot in the 6th.
Carlos Zambrano pitched a very good game but was lifted after 6 innings and 85 pitches. Lou Piniella said after the game he pulled Zambrano because he trusted his bullpen and needed to rest Zambrano for a possible game 4. Zambrano allowed 1 run on 4 hits, a walk and 8 strikeouts....he was clearly in a groove. Zambrano made only one mistake, he gave up a solo home run to Stephen Drew in the 4th inning. Carlos Marmol struggled with his command and the 'Baby Backs' took advantage with 2 runs in the 7th inning. Mark Reynolds hit a lead off home run into the left field stands, only the 4th longball of the year given up by Marmol. Chris Snyder walked and after a double by Augie Ojeda, scored on a sacrifice fly by Conor Jackson.
The Cubs came out on the losing end of the battle of 18-game winners. Brandon Webb showed why he won the Cy Young Award last season. The Cubs offense could not string together any hits against the D'Backs' ace, Webb gave up 1 run on 4 hits in 7 innings with 3 walks and 9 strikeouts. But this one might be remembered for the decision Piniella made after the 6th inning when he removed his ace, Carlos Zambrano.
Lou Piniella has pulled the right strings more often than not this season but his decision to pull Carlos Zambrano in the 6th inning will be second-guessed if the Cubs lose the series. While it is understandable why Piniella did what he did, it is hard to justify managing for the future in a 5-game series. Piniella said after the game a team must score more than they did in Game One, especially on the road....and he is absolutely correct. Hopefully the balls will find green in Game Two.
Carlos Zambrano did everything he could to help his team. He pitched an excellent game and even came through with 1 of their 4 hits. Zambrano kept himself under control when it was very evident early on he did not have his best stuff. After laboring through the first few innings Zambrano settled down and did his job.
Chris Young reached on a single up the middle in the 1st inning, stole 2nd and advanced to 3rd on a groundout to short by Eric Byrnes. Zambrano struck out Tony Clark to end the inning. Zambrano faced the minimum in the 2nd and retired the D'Backs in order in the 3rd.
After Stephen Drew's home run in the 4th, Zambrano retired the next 3 batters he faced. Augie Ojeda reached on a infield single off Zambrano's glove in the 5th, it was the 3rd hit he allowed. After Zambrano struck out Webb to end the inning, he left the mound all fired up, talking to himself. Drew reached with a 1-out single to left in the 6th....the last hit Zambrano allowed.
Carlos Marmol took the mound in the 7th. Rookie, Mark Reynolds greeted Marmol with a towering home run to left center. Marmol struck out Jeff Salazar but walked Chris Snyder. Augie Ojeda followed with a double to right. Bob Melvin brought in Connor Jackson and he flied out to center to score Snyder. Marmol struck out Chris Young to end the inning.
Bobby Howry retired the D'Backs in order in the 8th.
Several questioned how the Diamondbacks won 90 games this season....and now everyone knows why. The D'Backs are solid defensively and makes their opponents earn every run and every win.
The Cubs offense has no one to blame but themselves. The top of Lou Piniella's lineup did not come through. The 1-5 hitters totaled 1 hit in 19 at bats with a walk and a run scored.
Alfonso Soriano, Aramis Ramirez, Derrek Lee and Cliff Floyd have to do their job if they expect to win this series.
Carlos Zambrano led off the 3rd with a double to left center but Brandon Webb struck out Soriano, Jacque Jones and Derrek Lee to end the inning....it was that kind of night.
The Cubs must bounce back in Game Two against Doug Davis, going back to Chicago down 2-0 could result in a very short series. Ted Lilly is expected to make the start and his teammates need the 'Bulldog' to step up.
Trips to the Northside
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Was at the game tonight...
Have to admit the team didn't seem to have a lot of energy...almost as if the importance of the game wasn't really sinking in.
It is one thing to keep your cool, but it is another to play without a sense of urgency, and in a 5-game series, you do need that sense of urgency.
Not enough patience at the plate...no good small ball - moving runners over/bunting - and too many strikeouts.
Oh well...let's get them next game!
I think Lou tried to win Sunday's game (4) on Wednesday. At least Z should be somewhat fresh (85 pitches) If we make it that far.
Guys, seriously. Calm down. Let's review some facts:
1. Brandon Webb is the likely winner of the NL Cy Young award. He has a devastating sinker and had great command all night, along with a generous strike zone (befitting a great pitcher, and Z had pretty much the same) The strikeouts are a direct result of a fantastic pitcher being "on" his game.
2. Z pitched a fantastic game himself, with only one mistake and only gave up one run. Don't forget he struck out 8, and maybe more importantly gave up only one walk. He also kept himself in check just enough and gave his team a chance to win.
3. Almost every ball the Cubs hit was hit damn hard, just at a position player. If one or two of those balls drops in or goes out we win. I don't think it was a matter of patience at the plate...heck, Soto took a walk in a clutch situation with sinkers just tempting him to swing. I think other than Soriano in the first inning our guys were pretty patient, showing their poise and "been here before" mental attitude, which I think may have been mistaken for "not having energy" or "not realizing how big the game was".
4. Lastly, let's not forget that Lou's incessant tinkering and gut-moves are a big part of what got us to this position. Don't jump off the ship you guys, we're going to pull this out. Lilly is exactly who we need going tonight, and the bats will come alive.
BELIEVE!
Scott, I agree with you 100%.
I'm not too worried about this one either. This was the one game I was concerned about anyway. Webb is just plain nasty, but the rest of their rotation is quite hitable. Yes, I think it was the wrong decision to pull Z at that point, but Marmol was nasty all year long so you can't really fault Lou too much. I just don't like that Lou went back on his own moto. He said early in the season that you play to win today and deal with tomorrow when you get there. It sure seemed like he was planning for Sunday instead of winning last night.
Never fear, we have Ted Lilly going tonight. Lilly has been fantastic following up a Cubs loss and I expect more of the same from him tonight. We hit the ball hard all night, but could find any holes. Hopefully we can have a bit of a lead and send Marmol back out there to redeem himself. I'd only send him back out tomorrow if we have the lead though. Less pressure. Let's go get 'em tonight!
Go Cubbies!!!
Alright last night was the game that really scared me. Great game by Big Z, both pitching and hitting, he really stepped it up, our hitting just failed us. You can't leave a guy on second with no or one outs that many times.
With that said, I am predicting a Cubs Offensive explosion tonight. After going 0-for the world last night Soriano starts off the game with a monster shot and sets the tone for the game.
Let's Go Cubs!!
I had predicted the Cubs would lose a close one in Game 1, and then come back to sweep the rest of the series. Hopefully that comes true.
It seems the Cubs have always been boom-or-bust against Davis. They either kill him, or he completely shuts them down. Hopefully tonight is a "boom" night. I think Murton will be the key to the game.
Adam I hope you are right
I can't remember, in 03 did we win or lose the first game of the series against the braves?
It would be nice to see the team bring a bit more fundamental intensity to Game 2. While it's only 1 game, yesterday was one for the taking. And in a short series, everyone opportunity is big.
Nick,
I beleive we swept the braves after they swept us in 98. Can anyone confirm that one?
Yes Tony we swept the Braves.
I expected to lose this game. But I think they come out rolling tonight. At least 2 runs the first inning. Lilly will come up big.
As far as Lou's move. I understand it. It just didn't work out. Might of got too cute. But oh well, if it worked we have an advantage in the series and it still could work. If we win tonight.
Dont worry everybody, we wanted a split in the first two games.
Thanks Tony and Jerljir, you guys are right.
Jerljir, i agree I think tonight we will come out with an early lead.
I too think Lou made the right move, Marmol has been lights out for us this year, why not go to the pen.
Now let's take tonight's game and head back to Chicago with some momentum.
The blame for that loss falls on the gross impatience of the Cubs hitters. Its fairly obvious that Webb is an Ace -- but he has had a season with 119 walks not so long ago... The idea is to manufacture runs off him.
Here are some revealing stats:
In 8 innings pitches, The Cubs threw a combined 126 pitches, 80 for strikes (63.4%). In 9 INNINGS pitched, The Diamondbacks threw 111 pitches, 73 for strikes(65.7%). So basically both staffs were equally accurate.
Now explain why it is that they pitched 1 more inning, YET 15 fewer pitches.... Swinging at the first pitch is good if you are a superstar with an awesome eye, and the ability to hit bad pitches. If you are a mediocre guy with 10-15 HR and facing an Ace, make the guy work, get on base, scratch out a run...
I agree -- WAY to much first pitch swinging. Couple that with overagressive swings all the way around and we really didn't force Webb to come after us.
Personally I think Lou's decision to let Z swing away with Theriot on 2B with no outs was a huge mistake. Yes he's a good hitter but you have to realize who you're up against, knowing that one run could make all the difference.
Baaron, I agree....but our hitters have been that way all year and sadly they are not going to change now. It makes me want to brake something every time they swing at that first pitch...but most of our hits come from that first pitch. D-Lee/Aramis/Alfonso???? somebody wake them up please.
I look at Arizona and don't seem to get how can they beat us...They simply don't beat themselves and play fundamental baseball. Our Cubs beat themselves yesterday...Arizona gave us plenty of chances and once again we hit the ball hard but directly at defenders.
I hope we head back to Chicago tied...in fact we are the better team and we shall win tonight.
First off, we took the Braves in 5 games in the 2003 NLDS. We won games 1,3,and 5.
And lastly, I wasnt suprised to see us lose to Webb. But that was a winnable game, and Dusty, I mean, Lou cost us that one. The media is deservedly all over him on his overmanaging that game.
One last thing, Im looking forward to watching the "stoic one" pitch tonight. I hope he continues his post Cubs loss excellence.
I dont see the problem with pulling Zambrano is this situation. Marmol is far and away the BEST pitcher on our whole staff!! You bring Marmol in and save Z a little for game 4.
So you give up the chance to win Game 1 to win Game 4, Pete?
Hold on a second there Matt...give up the chance to win Game 1 because you brought in....MARMOL?
I love Z and he was doing well but lets remember that many people, myself included thought that Marmol was ready for the CLOSER role. Marmol has a ridiculous ERA, had only given up 3 homeruns all year, and has been lights out in pressure situations. I'm not saying I would have pulled Z, in fact I'm sure I would not have at 85 pitches, but its not like Lou pulled him and threw Steve Ire into the game, he put his best bullpen guy to keep the score tied. That didn't happen, but I don't think its fair to say he was giving up a chance to win Game 1.
I love Marmol too! But when your ACE is pitching a gem and is at 85 pitches, you just dont take him out. I said it last night, not in hindsight, it was a bad move. Did Tito Francona take out Beckett? No, did Webb get taken out, not right away. In a tied game, Z was our best chance last night. He looked that good.
No, he was trying to win both. He took a chance that the bullpen could finish the game. It was a risk but a reasonable calculated risk. Like I said if it would of worked, everybody would be saying how genious it was.
Keep in mind there was no guarentee that we were going to win. If he kept him in, we could of lost that game and lose game four because he pitched over hundred pitches and was too exhausted to pitch on three days rest. Either by pitching anyway and sucking or pitching marquis in game 4. Do you really want Marquis pitching game four when the Cubs are either about to get eliminated or need it to win, or it goes back to Arizona tied.
The verdict isn't out on this one yet. This move could still win us game 4 and the series. Even though we lost game 1.
This isn't the regular season anymore people.
p.s. Matt's right 2003 series went 5. I think I was think of when they swept us.
I don't care Lou pulled Big Z, and I don't care he put in Marmol, the fact of the matter is we had TOO MANY wasted oppurtunities on offense, that cannot keep happening or there won't be a game four.
So let's have Lilly go out and pitch his heart out and let's have Soriano start the game by send a blast into the left field seats shutting up the D-Backs big jumbotron and lets hear the faithful chant SORIANO!!! Hears to a great rebound game tonight, Go CUBS!!!
I agree nick, Cubs will jump out quick tonight. That's my prediction.
One thought.....Marmol is our best pitcher atleast in relief and has been lights out all year. Also "after you see the balls [cojones] of the dog it is easy to know he is a male". We live and die with what got us here. Today is a must win though.
THE CUBBIES DIDNT GET BEAT BY THE D BACKS THEY WERE BEAT BY A MANAGER THAT MADE DUMBASS DECISSIONS IN THE GAME.WHY WOULD ANY MAJOR LEAGUE MANAGER DECIDE THAT NOT ONCE BUT TWICE WITH A MAN ON SECOND AND NO OUTS TO GO AHEAD AND LET THE NEXT 2 BATTERS SWING AWAY AND NOT TRY A BUNT TO MOVE THE MAN TO THIRD AND PLACE HIM IN SCORING POSITION. THEN ON TOP OF THAT HAVE MEN IN SCORING POSITION AND SEND THE PITCHER TO BAT RIGHT BEFORE YOU PULL HIM OUT OF THE GAME . HEY LOU ITS CALLED AGRESSIVENESS GET SOME OR GO HOME WE CUB FANS HAVE WAITED LONG ENOUGH FOR A WORLD SERIES THIS IS NO TIME TO BE THINKING IN A BEST OF 5 SERIES WELL LETS LOOK FORWARD TO GAME 4 GET THE JOB DONE AND GET SOME REST