Game One Hundred Fifteen: Cubs (68-46) vs. Astros (54-58)
Game Time - 1:20pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: WGN - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 185
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago
Jason Marquis (6-7, 4.68/1.45) vs. Brandon Backe (6-10, 4.72/1.56)
Lou Piniella's crew completes a very difficult stretch of games today that began on July 18th in Houston. The Cubs will finally receive a day off on Thursday following 20 straight, the maximum allowed by rule, and after posting just 4 wins in the first 10 games, the Cubs have won 7 of their last 9 and created a little separation in the Central Division standings.
The Cubs have a very important game this afternoon against a division rival at home that must not be overlooked. The Cubs have not won a series against the Astros since the first week of the year and win coupled with the off day on Thursday would be a good way to prepare for the arrival of the Cardinals for the upcoming weekend series.
Jason Marquis has not posted a win since June 21st and his team in 2-4 in his last 6 starts. Marquis needs to put together a solid outing and put a victory on the board against Brandon Backe.
While Jason Marquis pitched good enough to pick up a win against the Pirates in his last start, he struggled with his command as he teammates struggled with their patience at the plate. Marquis did not find a rhythm and gave up 3 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings in a 3-0 loss to the Pirates....a game that did not feel as close as the final score.
Marquis must throw strikes today and not give the Astros any help....plus a good pace on the mound will not allow his teammates to fall back on their heals. The Cubs have a solid defense and when Marquis has pitched to contact in the past and located his sinker, he's had his best results. It is time for Marquis to pitch to the level of his talent....or he will continue to be skipped when he turn in the rotation comes around.
Marquis is 8-5 in 24 career games, 19 starts, against the Astros with a 5.20 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP and today will be his second start of this season against Houston. Marquis received a no decision in his first game of the year back on April 5th and gave up 5 runs, 4 earned, on 8 hits in 5 1/3 innings but the Cubs beat the Astros, 9-7 for their second win of the year.
At Wrigley this season, Marquis is 3-4 in 11 starts with a 5.68 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP while teams have hit .309 against him.
- Lance Berkman - 19-for-39 with 5 doubles, a triple, a home run and 11 walks
- Geoff Blum - 4-for-15 with 2 doubles
- Darin Erstad - 1-for-4 with a double
- Carlos Lee - 10-for-29 with 2 doubles and 3 home runs
- Mark Loretta - 4-for-19 with a double
- Kaz Matsui - 3-for-13
- Hunter Pence - 4-for-10 with a double and a triple
- Humberto Quintero - 2-for-5 with a double
- Miguel Tejada - 0-for-2
- Ty Wigginton - 7-for-16 with a triple
If Marquis struggles early, do not be surprised to see Sean Marshall summoned from the pen. Marshall is 1-4 in 5 starts against the Astros with a respectable 4.00 ERA and a 1.59 WHIP.
- Lance Berkman - 4-for-14 with a double
- Carlos Lee - 1-for-3
- Kaz Matsui - 0-for-3
- Hunter Pence - 1-for-2 with a home run
Brandon Backe lost to the Cubs and Ryan Dempster 9-0 in the first Sunday following the break in Houston on July 20th. Backe gave up 4 runs on 8 hits in 6 2/3 innings in a game that was much closer than the final score indicates. Backe has turned in a quality start in his last outing against the Mets but has not posted a win since July 13th at Nationals Park.
Backe gave up 3 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings to the Mets in his last outing, did not receive a decision and the Astros won the game 7-3.
Today will be Backe's third start of the season against the Cubs. He is 0-1 with a 4.26 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP in 12 2/3 innings (6 runs on 14 hits with 3 walks and 15 strikeouts). For his career, Backe is 2-2 in 8 games, 7 starts, versus the Cubs with a 4.75 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP....at Wrigley, 1-1 in 4 games, 3 starts, with a 5.63 ERA and a 1.88 WHIP while the Cubs have hit .338 against him.
The offense must not swing early and often today against Backe....like most teams do at the end of a long stretch of games.
- Mark DeRosa - 2-for-9 with a home run
- Jim Edmonds - 4-for-14 with 4 walks
- Mike Fontenot - 2-for-3 with a home run
- Kosuke Fukudome - 1-for-5 with a double
- Reed Johnson - 1-for-5 with a home run
- Derrek Lee - 4-for-18 with 2 doubles
- Jason Marquis - 2-for-5
- Aramis Ramirez - 7-for-19 with a home run
- Alfonso Soriano - 4-for-20 with 2 doubles and a home run
- Geovany Soto - 0-for-3 with 2 walks
- Ryan Theriot - 2-for-8 with 2 walks
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
It sure seems like somedays Lou tells the guys "nobody swing until you have 2 strikes against you"...and they win. Then somedays he forgets, and they swing at everything (lookin at YOU D.Ward!), and they lose. Seems like a direct relation between pitch count and hit count. As one goes up, so does the other
Today's lineup:
Soriano - LF
Theriot - SS
Lee - 1B
Ramirez - 3B
Edmonds - CF
DeRosa - 2B
Fukudome - RF
Soto - C
Marquis - P
DAVE in STL, you said the Cubs were #1 in batting average, team pitching, and runs scored in the NL. The Cubs are #2 in team pitching in the NL. Dodgers 3.65 to Cubs 3.80 as of today, and yes most people here do like me. It doesn't matter that I am a hippie, at-least I know my facts.
Ryan R, I never claimed to be a "true" fan, just a fan. I am in dire straits right now over the posts about me yesterday from "A Roller Coaster Ride- Cubs 11 Astros 7". I can like as many team as possible, there is freedom in this country. I choose to only like 3, and have for the last 10 years.
JIMK, those words deeply made me cry. Have some consideration of other people. We are all great creatures.
roguesqr09, thanks a lot. Your comments out-do all the bad ones from others. You truly have the enlightment to step into the unknown realm. We take a chance because we have fortitude. That is lacking in most Americans.
Aaron, Neil, Matt Haggard or MARIOC, please help me continue my work here. I am feeling some heat because of my bellen viewic belief system. I truly do not want to leave, but feel like I am almost being forced to.
P.S. I may just stop talking about my feeling for rhe other 2 teams in Florida. From now now, great creatures, I going to be taliking about the Cubs, please don't nab me anymore.
Cubs will succeed today. Edmonds and Soriano will have a huge performance carrying the team. If only 2 of the Cubs Horses can suceed, the team has a 60 percent chance at victory. I love you, great creatures. Others may make me cry, but I'm willing to risk it!
Hallelujah, the wind is blowing in.
Good quick inning Jason, how about 8 more of those. Now let's jump all over Backe.
Those first two strikes on Lee were NOT strikes. This ump sucks.
...there goes JM no hitter...sigh. Well he does look to have great stuff today.
Your predictions about Edmonds are correct so far, Candle...
To the guys who post negative commentary about the fighter, you know, you could just ignore him if you dont like what he has to say.
Nice RBI Double by De-Ro!!!
That day off really helped DeRo, he is on fire.
Sori and Hollywood have both misplayed flies already. Not good.
Please ground out Berkman
Damn, Fat Elvis comes through.
We had to have known that Marquis would need run support today.
4 runs after 2 out and nobody on. Marquis' mental toughness is just awe inspiring.
we need to get rid of marquis and howry no matter what!!! I don't care if we only get a box of cups and a water jug!!!!
If Marquis hadn't have walked Pence, neither Berkman nor Lee would have come to the plate.
You can't make mistakes to El Caballo with guys on.
Dammit.
Wow, step away for a couple of minutes and Marquis gives up four runs on two hits, good job.
When are they going to stop throwing Carlos Lee strikes?
I meant two "outs" not "hits". Sorry.
C'MON DE-RO!! WE NEED SOMETHING HERE!
Mark De-Ro-sa! *clap clap clapclapclap*
DEROSA WITH A GRAND SLAM!!!!
I CALLED IT!
GRAND SALAMI!
LOVIN THE COMEBACK ABILITY OF THIS TEAM!
DERO!!!!! Grand Slam!!!
DEEEEE-ROOOOOO!
holy HEIDI!
How many is that on the year for the team?
Great job D-Ro!!!!! Now let's see if we can hold this lead.
Nice to see Fuk get in on the fun... and I love the fact that our pitchers are not gimmee-outs.
SORIANO!!!!!!!!!
Marquis with the double!!
DAMN!
These boys won't quit.
Sori Joins the Party!!!!YES I am sick of this Astros team beating at us...TAKE that!!!!!!!
SORIANO!!!!!!!!! Talk about en fuego!!
I can only see this on Gameday, but the Cubs are hitting EARLY in the count. What exactly is Backe throwing up there? It must look like BP on TV.
SO-RI-ANO (clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)!!!!!
Dust off the "8" card in the scoreboard and hang that puppy!
Cant remember the last time we had a GS and a 3 Run Ding in the same inning.
Houston, you have a problem!
OK boys, keep adding on. Marquis is still on the mound and we could see Howry later.
How safe is a 5-run lead though with Marquis on the mound? If we're lucky, he'll limp to the end of the 5th with a 3-run lead, and then we'll bring in some real pitchers (not Howry!)
It's amazing how a Cubs' 8 spot can overcome M's bad inning. But it's time to have the pen on full alert. I hope Marquis can get through the 5th but I'm not confident of that.
Keith, have some faith.
Here comes a double play ball.
Gary, I agree... this will not be enough with Marquis still in... and please Piniella, we need this series... don't put Howry in this game.
Please?!?
Nice job Marquis. He needed to get Hunter Pence out after that fielders choice mishap. Good inning of work.
Wow, Backe is bad. What is the opposite of a "Pitcher's Duel"?
I miss the days when umpires kept their masks on regardless of fuming pitchers. Taking the mask off and barking at a pitcher just makes said ump look plain silly...
Great inning. I figured they threw the "8" sign away Eric, haha.
I wonder how 10+ run innings are handled?
Pretty hit by Rami!
Candle fighter, you're alright. Some of us can be rough around the edges sometimes. But, youre welcome. Are you into zen gardens and self peace and the like? You seem like an eccentic hippie, haha.
I feel okay with Marquis on the mound. He'll last through the 5th. More than likely we shouldnt see Howry and we can wrap this series up, especially with Milwaukee leading.
And you just got Fuk'd!
Nice comeback AB.
I like the bow Kosuke did while standing on first base. That was sweet.
What's all this I'm reading about Erin Andrews 'carressing' Soriano's bicep, and Lou pinchin her butt
Lou's good good taste :)
http://deadspin.com/5032584/the-erin-andrews-floozy+dress-mess-gets-dissected-from-all-angles
Kosuke-san!
Backe is burnt toast. I wonder if they'll let him keep his shoelaces in his shoes in his hotel room tonite?
Backe: 3 1/3 innings, 9 hits, 6 walks, 11 ER, 2 HR. I can't believe they left him in there, he racked up 99 pitches today.
hey, I don't even live in the Midwest, and I'm blocked out on mlb.tv
Is anyone else getting that message? Not only that, but every other game I checked is also blocked, and I'm getting a message saying something about, "blah, blah, blah, if you feel you've reached this in error, type in your zip code, and type in your credit card info, and a hold will be placed, and they'll check on the account or something like that" Anyone know what gives?
Where do you live Aaron?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:MLB_Blackout_Areas.png
Territory map for blackouts
Game is on WGN thats the only thing I can think of.
Dont shoot me fo saying this but, this is the type of situation that they need to use Howry until he "figures it out", Not 6-5 games. In the meantime. Marquis, keep on munching up those innings.
Today we showed (again) that we can win a lot of different ways--even with mediocre starting pitching and some mis-played ball in the OF. Today, the bats made up for it. Congrats Cubs!!
You're welcome, Matt Haggard. I truly and madly mean it. Yes, I'm all into that. My beard is 29 inches long now! That's almost 9 years worth-LOL
Great game of back-to back 11 run performances. That was a great snow-man put on the board in the 3rd inning.
Take a peaceful off-day tomorrow, you deserve it!
Big win today....will have recap up later tonight.
Aaron...I live in New Orleans, and I got the same message. I'm pissed, because I can only watch games during the day, and I was elated to see that this whole series was day games. Goddammit if they didn't block them.
Candle...I don't know you, nor what you stand for, but I'm always one to make friends before I make enemies. I know nothing about a "bellen viewic" belief system, and I'd be hard pressed to say I'm a fan of any other team...but since you've done me no wrong, I've got nothing bad to say to you, bud!
NATION REPRESENT!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!
Hey Jim! you from Boston? Tinley Patk!lol
Great Win, I only dream that Dero stays hot and Rami and Lee follow with Sori already smokin'. Wow what a threat this team can be.
Folks, the Cubs can be smoking hot at times, especially if they continue playing like this. Keep on adding on!
Does anybody know where I can buy a "Kosuke Fukudome is my homie" t-shirt? I can't seem to find one in any MLB shop in South Carolina. Is it just a local thing?
At some risk, I suppose, of adding to the digressions of our site, here are some further comments regarding my views on Candle. I do not hate the Candle. I did not question his humanity or his spirituality. I questioned the appropriateness of his message and pupose for participating on CCO.
It can be argued that interesting ideas about our spiritual and psychological health and beliefs deserve airing generally. It also can be argued that a partisan baseball site, that vigorously debates all things Cubs in a context of their performance, competitiveness and combative encounters with similarly endowed combatants, is not an appropriate site for the Candle's mission of enlightenment. As is becoming clearer, the Candle's mission is adding enlightenment, in a spiritual sense, to the site and to its constituents. He speaks of coming to Chicago to enlighten Neil and the gang at CCO, while, at the same time praising Neil for his enlightenment. Some interest in baseball appears to be the Candle's ticket for a pulpit on our site. I suspect that the Candle doesn't think it matters who wins or loses--as long as the teams and individuals do their enlightened best.
My vague recollection of bellen beliefs is that they foster a non-competitive, socialist view of the world--a sort of borderless, classless nirvana like that which most of the flower children of the 60's grew out of in a fairly short period of time. While we are not always as civil on the site as I would prefer--and if pushed most of us would agree that the Cubs' season is not a life or death issue, we give our Cubs fortunes that kind of significance in our competitive zeal.
I've written a 3,000 word essay/sermon which seeks to rationalize spirtuality and religiosity in the context of world religions, world peace and the importance of secular governments that tolerate differing religious views. It has been reviewed favorably. I have only vague (and maybe mistaken) recollections of bellen beliefs. But I don't see CCO as a well suited place for the Candle's mission of enlightenment nor my own quest for developing understanding of spirituality.
So I say again, go Candle to a place more suited to your mission. Some of us need more spiritual, psychological and emotional insights and training than others, but most of us choose to give vent to our macho instincts here as we figuratively live and die with our Cubs.
I don't think Candle is one of us, and I think that he doesn't want to be--on our terms. I would hope that his enlightenment enables him to forgive us.
Can you believe it? The Pirates' Karstens just pitched a complete game 2 hit shutout over the Dbacks. With wins over us and the Dbacks, it looks like the Pirates have a possible top of the rotation guy. The Cards and Brewers won too--so only held our lead today.
Ditto that JimK.
Ditto Jeff from AZ dittoing JimK.
CCO is for talking Cubs, baseball, and stuff sort of related to it. Now if your religious or spirtual views allowed you interesting takes on Harry Caray's death 10 years ago to Skip Caray's death this year, and the fact that 20 years ago the lights came on in 8/8/88, and now in 8/8/08, we are in 1st place, and will be playing the Cardinals in an extremely important series of playoff expectations....well....you may be onto something...what, I have no idea.
What I am trying to say is I also think Candle needs to focus on the Cubs. Feel free to be a fan of other teams, but we don't want to hear about the other teams here, unless it is in the context of "how do the Cubs match up against these teams" "how will the Cubs beat this pitcher" etc...
The only non-Cubs-topics that I think are allowable would be the following:
1. Guns N Roses (c'mon...Olympics are in China..."Chinese Democracy" album coming out...man!)
2. ripping on Aaron (kidding)
Jason B.,
You never cease to amaze me with your childish cheap shots...and no, you weren't kidding, but that's how it is. You're like the little kid whose parents caught him and his brother fighting, and as they turn away, he jabs his brother in the side.....grow up man
Aaron,
Your self-importance never ceases to amaze me.
Please schedule 3 games of bowling with candle fighter, and be sure to report back to the CCO and let us know who won. Thanks!
how is it self-importance....I'll I've done is commented on the Cubs, and you keep trying to make it personal, then I comment on that....so, please, keep in mind Jason B, that YOU make it personal, and non-baseball.
If you don't want me to comment on here anymore, then I'll go somewhere else, I don't care, I'm through with your childish shit. If you look at most of your comments anyway, they're 99% sarcastic and not even relevant to most situations, so what do you even add on here to begin with? Even when you make serious comments, you basically re-state what I've already said...LOL
If I restate what you say all the time, that would make you a genius.
Go if you must!
Please check back in around October or so.
I've been an Aaron fan since day 1.
This guy, is true Cub Nation!
As for the Candle, I just don't know. he likes the Cubs, by no means is he a Cub Hater. I don't believe he wishes the nation any ill will. He's probably fun at partys.
Jim (TP), thanks man...it's been a good time chatting with you.
Jason B, why would I check back at all? I comment just the same on the other sites, and everyone loves it....You and a select few on here are the ONLY ones that have a problem with it....now why is that? Are you upset that I take the time to do the research and back up what I say, and all you do is just spout off opinions without backing it up...Even others on here that have disagreed with me at times have backed up what they say. I can't ever recall you doing that.....so, I say it again....what the hell do you add anyway?
Aaron,
Just wanted to confirm here: you make the same, multi-paragraph-style, posts on multiple other sites?
That is just carpal tunnel waiting to happen, bud.
no, this site is set up better with less clutter, but we don't really have idiots like you on there, so it makes it a lot more fun. I came here a lot, because I liked debate......again, you add nothing to the debates, and I really tire of seeing garbage like you posted last night with uneccessary jabs.
Maybe you're a cool guy in person....but, on here, you just seem sarcastic, and like I said...the little kid that punches his brother after the argument is over---usually that's where you come into the conversation anyway, man...at the end, because you like the final say
I don't have a brother...no idea what you are talking about.
I will admit that you are probably the smartest, strongest, best-looking poster on the CCO, and I honestly just feel honored that you are actually posting directly to me. Your views are incredibly-detailed and meticulously researched, and are typically unbelievably accurate, both from a predictive and analytic perspective.
Especially stuff like how we should trade proven veterans and start all the unproven kids from the farm...I especially like those posts.
Let's face it, I am an opinion-less pathetic human being, capable of only regurgitating the very points you so eloquently make here, only I do it with less clarity and substance.
I am but an annoying gadfly to your cow of greatness.