Game Thirty-Three: Cubs (18-14) vs. Padres (13-20)
Game Time - 7:05pm C.T.
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 184
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago
Ted Lilly (4-2, 3.11/1.01) vs. Chris Young (2-1, 4.76/1.44)
Lou Piniella's crew will try to make it three in a row tonight against the second best pitcher in the Padres' rotation. After inconsistent play and more than their fare share of injuries, the Cubs enter play tonight in third place in a very tight NL Central, a game and a half behind the St. Louis Cardinals (Reds and Brewers are both a game back and tied for second).
Ted Lilly has been very good at Wrigley this season and must continue to limit his free passes...which has been one of the keys to his success this year. Lilly struggled with his command in his last start and it was revealed after his win against the Astros that he was battling elbow tightness. According to the Sun-Times, the Cubs limited Lilly's outing to six innings and 88 pitches as a precaution and they are viewing it as "nothing more than a cool-weather April twinge." Lilly said he was fine after his last start.
Ryan Freel expected to be in the starting lineup tonight at third base. The Cubs are apparently set to use Freel and Mike Fontenot at the hot corner until Aramis Ramirez returns. If that is the case, Aaron Miles and Bobby Scales must step up their offensive production while Ramirez is on the DL.
Chris Young will make his first start at Wrigley since June 16, 2007. The Padres beat Carlos Zambrano 1-0 that Saturday afternoon. Big Z tossed a complete game but was beat in the top of the ninth on a home run by Russell Branyan.
Young pitched only three complete innings and was ejected in the fourth inning after hitting Derrek Lee in apparent retaliation over a celebration the day before by Alfonso Soriano. After Young hit Lee, he reportedly said a few not-very-nice-words that Derrek Lee took exception to...both players threw punches, the benches cleared and Jake Peavy, Gerald Perry, Lee and Young were ejected. For the record, Zambrano tossed seven innings of no-hit ball before eventually losing the game.
But that was then...and tonight it all starts with Ted Lilly.
Ted Lilly is coming off a rough start against the Astros but still picked up the win. The Cubs are 4-2 in Lilly's first six starts and despite not being right he still posted a quality start. Lilly surrendered two runs on four hits (a two-run homer by Miguel Tejada) in six innings with three walks and five strikeouts.
Lilly has pitched much better at home (2-1 in three starts with only one earned run and two walks in 21 2/3 innings with 20 strikeouts... a 0.42 ERA and a 0.60 WHIP) than on the road (2-1 in three starts with a 6.75 ERA and a 1.56 WHIP, seven walks and 11 strikeouts in 16 innings).
Tonight will be Lilly's sixth career start against the Padres. He is 4-1 in six games, five starts, with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP...last year, 1-1 in two starts with a 4.05 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP.
- Henry Blanco - 0-for-3
- Chris Burke - 4-for-15 with a double and a triple
- David Eckstein - 5-for-34 with a double and two walks
- Jody Gerut - 3-for-8 with a double and a walk
- Brian Giles - 2-for-9 with 2 doubles and 3 walks
- Edgar Gonzalez - 1-for-5 with a double
- Adrian Gonzalez - 1-for-9 with a triple and a walk
- Scott Hairston - 4-for-11 with 2 home runs
- Chase Headley - 0-for-3
Chris Young missed a majority of the 2008 season following getting hit in the face on a come backer off the bat of Albert Pujols on May 21. Young finished the season and was adequate for obvious reasons and started this season out on a down note...but unfortunately for the Cubs' offense, Young has been lights out in his last two starts.
Young has received two no decisions (Dodgers and Diamondbacks) but has allowed only four runs on 11 hits with 11 strikeouts and six walks in his last 13 innings (2.77 ERA and a 1.31 WHIP). Young has benefited somewhat from pitching at PETCO this season and is 2-0 in three home starts with a 2.37 ERA and a 1.05 WHIP, while on the road...0-1 in four starts with a 6.97 ERA and a 1.79 WHIP.
The Padres number two starter has dominated the Cubs in the past but has only one win in four starts to show for it. The Cubs have scored only seven runs, six earned, on 17 hits in 23 2/3 innings with nine walks...and 19 strikeouts. At Wrigley, Young has two no decisions in two starts with a 1.80 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP.
- Mike Fontenot - 0-for-1
- Ryan Freel - 1-for-3 with a double
- Koyie Hill - 0-for-1
- Reed Johnson - 1-for-2
- Derrek Lee - 0-for-3 with a walk and a hit by pitch
- Aaron Miles - 1-for-5
- Alfonso Soriano - 3-for-11 with a double, a triple and a home run
- Ryan Theriot - 0-for-2
Let's Talk Cubs Baseball....
Anyone wondering about the bullpen here in Des Moines last night the Iowa Cubs were playing @ the Colorado Skysox and had a SEVEN run lead in the bottom of the 8th inning. Then Jason Waddell, Jesse Estrada, and Jeff Stevens gave up NINE runs!! The Skysox almost batted around twice! The I-Cubs rallied but Keven Hart blew the lead, the save, and the game in the bottom of the tenth....pathetic!!
However after banging out 2 more hits and 3 rbi's today Jake Fox is now batting .406 with 14 homers and 42 rbi's in only 29 games! Now I know he's not a gifted defensive player but you know what...Ryan Braun sucked at third for a whole year and we only need a 3rd baseman for 2 months...that's all i'm saying.
Oh and unlike that puke Braun, Fox is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet!
Eh, as long as it's just one game, that's fine. If they're doing that every two or three games, then we have a problem.
the lee/young fight was the one where zambrano was being held back and he had his belt in hand, right?
Great memory. You are correct. He was in the clubhouse changing his jersey and came out when the benches cleared.
http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20070616&content_id=2030043&vkey=recap&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc
the video for the fight is on that page.. zambrano is around the 0:55 second mark being held back by quade.. i chuckle every time i see it
Those are some stunning numbers from Jake Fox...
Surely we can hide him someplace on the field....
Tonight's lineup...subject to change:
No word yet on Bradley's suspension.
Soriano - LF
Theriot - SS
Fukudome - CF
Lee - 1B
Bradley - RF
Fontenot - 2B
Soto - C
Freel - 3B
Lilly - P
Also, if the game is rained out, they are going to shoot for a doubleheader on Thursday according to the Sun-Times. With getaway day and the fact the Padres host the Reds over the weekend. They will do all they can to get tonight's game in.
http://www.weather.com/weather/local/USIL0225?from=interactive_topnav_undeclared
Wow how have they not called up Jake Fox yet. NO Excuse for that. Cory made a great point. How much worse can Fox be at third than Braun lastyear??? Its only about 2 months (fingerscrossed) we need a 3B. Get rid of miles and callup Fox.
I agree with everyone on the Jake Fox point. What in the world could be holding them back from calling him up? Miles has been absolutely dreadful. It's worth a shot, right?
Also, why is Hoffpauir not playing tonight? Lee is going to get dominated in the righty/righty matchup.
Prediction for Lee tonight(if they play)....2 K's, 1 BB, and 1 weak groundout.
Lou is determined to make Aaron Miles his Neifi Perez....
The tarp is off the field but the grounds crew is stationed near the tarp Wednesday and neither starting pitcher is warming up. There are some major thunderstorms coming toward Wrigley Field.
is the game on?
The tarp was put on the field then removed. There appears to be a delay on the way.
The game is officially in a rain delay. No word yet and they are preparing for a double header on Thursday.
I predicted before the game last night that Lee would have big troubles (aka 3 strikeouts) with a tough righthander, and they would say his timing is off, as Brenley noted on cue. Well, Kegert is right on target tonight; with Young as the Padres pitcher, Lee will again likely have a pitiful night at the plate...while Micah sits once again.
Oh well, Lee is the "starter" and will be in there hell or high water, until the neck problem hits again at any time.
First pitch is slated right now for 7:40
Good to see Freel's excited about starting. Guy looks as big of a spaz as I expected.
Why did they pitch to him again?
Second homer of the series.
Wind blowing out to left.
SO-RI-ANO (Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap)!!!!!
On Waveland!
BACK-TO-BACK JACKS....back-to-back pitches....THERIOT!!
Two runs in 3 pitches! Looks like it could be a slugfest tonight
Yeah...Lilly must not walk anyone tonight.
Kosuke got hosed on the strike three call...
from gameday, it looks like its a very generous strike zone today...does it look like that on TV too?
oh yeah!
Yeah, that called 3rd strike was further outside than the pitch before that was called a ball.
Can Soto deliver? Don't hold your breath.
Well, I can't believe what I just heard!! Soto gets a hit!
Whats up fellas,
Good start by the offense tonight!
Hey Nick
Great job by Soto.
Theriot has more HR than D. Lee... nuff said.... time for Hendry to put a call into Lou
Once you become a starter for Lou it's like being named pope. You have to die to be replaced.
The offense is really making Young work...he has thrown twice as many pitches (65!) as Lilly has thrown through 2 innings
Cards lose
Did Adam Dunn just lay down a bunt hit. lol
Bradley with a BUNT single!! lol
The Game with the bunt!
Just as good as a long single off the wall.
Nice bunt by Milton
GO GEO
Soto the slugger.
We always knew he had it.
SOTO WITH A HUGE FIRST HOME RUN!!!
Lunch Box with the HR!
I love that nickname.
About time Soto!!!!!!!!!!!
Soto!!! First of the year, maybe now he can relax and get on a roll.
Soto's FIRST HR!!! Finally...
Nice smirk and head nod by Gerald Perry after the Soto home run
C'mon Theriot, make an out and get the top of the 5th in.
Theriot!!!
Theriot giving Fontenot a run for Team Slugger.
Neil, He did make an out; out of the park!
Jim, you got me. Sorry I do not believe in wasting at bats, but they need to make this game official.
Theriot!!!! Are you f'in kidding me?!?!
Theriot with a 2-homer game...obviously the first multi-homer game of his career.
Neil:
I believe in Dusty's last game as manager Theriot hit a couple of HR's
Jim, thank you for keeping me in check. I looked, you had the year right.
Ryan Theriot hit two home runs on Sept. 17, 2006 against the Reds at Wrigley.
Neil:
Thanks, For some reason I remember that game and the clock was ticking on Dusty.
Theriot should have been given more playing time that year but we needed Neifi to save us.
thats the way Neil.... Let them F Bombs fly..... i like it!
wtf the RIOTTTTT
Theriot's first 2HR game. Is he on the juice?
back from watching the puppy again...
Awesome night yet again....Soto, Soriano, and Theriot busting out the sticks, and Bradley doing what a leader should do...bunting to get on base is just a tremendous sight to see.
Lilly's pitching amazing this season, and I really like his composure. Derrek Lee still sucks donkey balls, but I guess you can't have it all. I still thought Scales and Hoffpauir should've gotten the starts today in favor of Freel and Lee, but I still like Freel...I'm giving him a pass.
"Derrek Lee still sucks donkey balls"
Thanks for that visual. I will not be able to sleep tonight now.
John G:
For a more accurate visual you should vist Tijuana some time.
LOL....so true
I'll just let that slide. Like I didn't even know what you're talking about. Of course the Cubbies are playing San Diego and if my geography is correct.... Oh never mind.
I don't have to visit Tijuana. I found a video of it on Youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJ1yg1pKnXE#greensboring_loves_you
Watch it if you dare.
I believe we just won the game 6-2, if I'm not mistaken. No way do they get this game in now. Am I right? I am so confused with the rule changes in the last few years.
I know we had this discussion last year I believe, right Neil? It is over if we're ahead after the visiting team bats in the 5th. If it's tied, then the game is picked up right where it left off, and if it's prior to 5 innings, the game is called, but all stats count. Correct?
Rain Delay??
Or not!
Who can say?
wow...this game keeps getting weirder and weirder....
I don't like Adrian Gonzalez, just as I don't like Carlos Lee...they always seem to kill us.
Aaron, the game is now official...if the score holds up.
If the game is called before the end of the top of the fifth with the home team ahead then the stats do not count. It is like the game never happened.
The main thing is keeping the lead at this point.
It is raining again.
Ouch!! That has to hurt.
Rodriguez just singled to Soriano...and it says "Injury Delay"....PLEASE tell me Sori is not hurt! Please!!
OK..it seems that Rodriguez was hurt...NOT Sori! Thank God! freaked me out
Duas, Rodriguez rolled his ankle. Did not look good.
I do not like the way this inning is stacking up.
WOW! That was close. Soriano almost misplayed it.
Interesting that looking at Cubs batting averages from 4th place hitter Lee on down the lineup tonight, top average is .218, with five UNDER .200. It's nice that the Cubs are winning the game with that type of production, or lack thereof. Good pitching for sure.
Good job by Guzman. Can't believe Gonzalez swung at a 3-0 pitch.
Would like a couple of tack on runs.
Rain coming down pretty hard.
lee has to be moved out of the cleanup spot till he heats up
Cubs get a break...thank you Mr. Giles!
Big time rain.
Third rain delay.
That was a head's up play by Freel to cut that ball off from Soriano.
just call it...it will be a W
update neil?
Nothing yet. Should be soon.
It's official...Game called. Cubs win 6-4 in 8 innings.
NATION REPRESENT!
CUBS WIN! CUBS WIN!