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The Happ-less Cubs Drop Eighth in a Row - Cubs 1, Astros 2

2012-05-23T03:48:31Z

Game Forty-Three - Cubs 1, Astros 2
WP - J.A. Happ (4-3) LP - Travis Wood (0-1) Save - Brett Myers (11)

The Cubs' slide continued Tuesday night in Houston. Once again, the Cubs had chances to score runs against J.A. Happ and the Astros' pen but could not put the ball in play, much less get a hit, with runners in scoring position. Sveum's Cubs outhit Houston 6-4 but not when it mattered ... 0-for-4 with runners in scoring position and six left on base.

The Cubs only run came in the fourth inning. Alfonso Soriano (1-for-4 with a home run and two strikeouts) hit his fourth home in the last eight games.

Starlin Castro was a miserable 0-for-4 and left four runners on base Tuesday night. Castro struck out swinging four times, earned a golden sombrero and will more than likely receive a day off on Wednesday. Tuesday marked the second time in his career that Castro struck out four times in a single game.

The Cubs struck out an alarming 13 times and seven of the last eight outs the Cubs' offense made were strikeouts.

Travis Wood put together a solid outing in his second big league start of the season. Wood gave up a home run to Jose Altuve in the bottom of the first then a ground rule double to Jed Lowrie but that was it while he was on the mound. Wood struggled with his command and pitched from behind in the count for a majority of his outing but he seemingly made the right pitch when he needed it.

Travis Wood left with the game tied at one with two outs in the sixth. Wood walked the last batter he faced and turned the game over to Shawn Camp. Camp could not record the third out before allowing the Astros to take the lead.

Shawn Camp uncorked a wild pickoff attempt to first (tenth charged error by a Cubs pitcher, leads the majors) which allowed Justin Maxwell to advance into scoring position. After issuing a two-out walk to Carlos Lee, J.D. Martinez blooped a 3-1 pitch into shallow right center that plated Maxwell with the go ahead run.

Travis Wood was charged with two runs on two hits with two walks and three strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. Wood threw 97 pitches, 54 for strikes, and notched his third hit of the season ... a one out double in the third. Wood was 1-for-2 at the plate.

Starlin Castro and Tony Campana turned in highlight-reel plays Tuesday night. Starlin Castro robbed Chris Johnson of a hit in the fourth with a diving stop in shallow left. Castro got to his feet quickly and threw a one-hop strike to first base.

Tony Campana ran for Reed Johnson in the eighth. Wilton Lopez's pickoff attempt ended up down the right field line and Campana rounded second and headed for third. Campana avoided the tag by diving headlong over Downs.

The Cubs have not had a lead in a game since the fourth inning of last Wednesday's game against the Phillies ... 59 innings.

With Tuesday's loss, the Cubs drop to a season-worst 13 games under .500 with a 15-28 record ...

]]> David DeJesus led off the game with a single to left (2-2 pitch). Reed Johnson followed with a routine grounder to third. Chris Johnson's throw to second was off the mark. DeJesus was forced but he disrupted the play. Carlos Lee could not handle Althuve's throw and Reed Johnson took over at first. Starlin Castro and Alfonso Soriano struck out swinging to end the inning. J.A. Happ threw 17 pitches in the first, 13 for strikes.

On Travis Wood's third pitch and just 12 minutes into the game, the Cubs found themselves in a hole. Jose Altuve launched a 1-1 pitch from Wood off the facing of the wall in left center ... and just like that the Astros led 1-0. Jed Lowrie followed and ripped a 1-0 pitch down the right field line for a ground rule double.

Travis Wood continued to pitch from behind after the Lowrie double but got out of the first inning without allowing any more runs.

Wood struck out Justin Maxwell swinging (3-2 pitch) and retired Chris Johnson on a groundout to second. With Jed Lowrie at third, J.D. Martinez looked at a 3-2 pitch for the third out. Wood threw 23 pitches in the first, 12 for strikes.

After Joe Mather grounded out to third to start the second, Jeff Baker pulled a 1-2 pitch into left. Darwin Barney flied out to center (2-2 pitch) for the second out. Baker then misread a ball in the dirt and tried to advance to second with Blake Lalli at the plate. Chris Snyder gunned him out to end the inning.

Travis Wood sat down the Astros in order in the second.

After two, the Cubs trailed 1-0 and Travis Wood had thrown 38 pitches, 21 for strikes.

Blake Lalli tapped back to Happ to start the third. Travis Wood then stepped in and just missed a home run. Wood ended up with a double off the top of the wall in left center. David DeJesus grounded out to second, Wood ended up at third and held when Reed Johnson walked. Starlin Castro could not check his swing on a 1-2 breaking ball and was called out to end the Cubs' third.

Wood retired Happ (broken bat liner back up the middle) and Altuve (bunted back to Wood) to start the third. Jed Lowrie walked on four pitches. Wood fell behind Maxwell 2-1 before the Astros' three-hole hitter tried to bunt his way on ... and popped up the bunt back to Wood to end the inning. It took 55 pitches (29 for strikes) for Wood to complete three innings of work.

Alfonso Soriano led off the fourth and quickly found himself in a 0-2 hole. Soriano worked the count back to 3-2 then killed the eighth pitch of the at bat. Soriano launched his fourth homer of the season off the façade in left center and tied the game at one.

Joe Mather followed Soriano's blast with a single to right (2-2 pitch) but Baker (struck out swinging), Barney (flied out to right) and Lalli (fouled out to third) went down in order to end the inning.

Travis Wood retired the Astros in order in the fourth ... with a lot of help from Starlin Castro. Chris Johnson ripped a 1-2 pitch deep into the hole at short. Castro dove into the grass in shallow left, got to his feet quickly and threw a one-hopper to Baker to nail Johnson. The Astros' third baseman did not agree with the call on Castro's web gem and was thrown out of the game.

The Cubs did nothing in the fifth ... and Travis Wood retired the Astros in order in the bottom of the fifth. Wood threw 85 pitches in five innings, 49 for strikes.

Starlin Castro struck out swinging for the third time in the game to start the sixth. After Soriano grounded out to second (3-2 pitch), Joe Mather walked on four pitches. Jeff Baker popped out to right for the third out.

Jose Altuve popped out to shallow right to start the Astros' sixth. Jed Lowrie hit a sinking liner to left on a 3-2 pitch. Soriano made a diving catch for the second out. Wood then lost his command and issued a four-pitch walk to Justin Maxwell.

Dale Sveum made a double-switch and replaced Travis Wood with Shawn Camp and brought in Bryan LaHair at first for Jeff Baker.

Camp missed on his first offering to Carlos Lee then uncorked a wild pick-off throw to first. Maxwell advanced to second on Camp's mistake ... the 10th error by the Cubs' pitching staff this season. Camp ended up missing on a 3-2 pitch to Carlos Lee and walked him with two outs. Camp continued to pitch from behind and it finally cost the Cubs a run. J.D. Martinez dropped a 3-1 pitch into shallow right center that plated Maxwell with the go ahead run.

With runners on first and third with two down, Matt Downs ripped the first pitch into deep right. David DeJesus caught the ball near the wall to end the inning.

The Cubs did nothing in the seventh against Wesley Wright.

Shawn Camp and James Russell sat Houston down 1-2-3 in the seventh.

Wesley Wright stayed in and started the eighth. Wright stuck out David DeJesus for the first out. Brad Mills went to his pen and brought in Wilton Lopez to face Reed Johnson.

Johnson reached on an infield single (Altuve, up the middle) and Sveum sent Tony Campana in to run for Johnson. Starlin Castro missed Lopez's first pitch. Lopez then uncorked a wild throw to first. Campana got to his feet quickly, rounded second and headed for third.

Carlos Lee's throw was up the line. Matt Downs caught the ball but Tony Campana leaped, head first over Down's tag and past the bag. Campana made it back to third safely with the tying run ... but Starlin Castro struck out swinging for the fourth time and Alfonso Soriano struck out swinging for the second time to end the inning.

James Russell gave up a leadoff double to Jose Altuve in the eighth but that was all and the Cubs went to the ninth trailing 2-1.

Brett Myers struck out Joe Mather and Adrian Cardenas then Darwin Barney ended the game by grounding out to first. Myers threw just nine pitches, eight for strikes.

Box Score from Yahoo Sports

Jeff Samardzija is scheduled to take the hill for Jamie Quirk in the finale against Wandy Rodriguez.

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Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. Astros - 05/22/12

2012-05-22T20:30:00Z

Game Forty-Three: Cubs (15-27) vs. Astros (19-23)
Game Time - 7:05pm CDT
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 184/914
Location - Minute Maid Park, Houston

Travis Wood (0-0, 4.50/1.00) vs. J.A. Happ (3-3, 4.96/1.52)

Updated 3:56pm CDT - Travis Wood Recalled from Triple-A Iowa, Welington Castillo Placed on 15-day DL

The Cubs will try to put the last seven games behind them tonight and end their longest drought of the year behind Travis Wood. Wood has been with the team for several days and will be activated prior to game time. The Cubs must make a roster move to clear a spot for Wood to make his second big league start of the season.

According to reports, Blake Parker could either be optioned back to Iowa or placed on the disabled list to make room for Wood or the Cubs could place Welington Castillo on the DL with an MCL sprain. Another option, not brought up by the mainstream media, would be to send Randy Wells back to Iowa. After tossing five innings on Monday night, Wells figures to be unavailable for the next five days. That would give them time to make a decision on both Blake Parker and/or Welington Castillo. Wells could always be recalled to fill Parker or Castillo's spot on the roster if either one has to be placed on the DL.

After Monday night's loss, Dale Sveum mentioned that Bryan LaHair would probably be given Tuesday night off. LaHair is 1-for-his-last-20 and Sveum said he could use a "mental day off." With Houston sending a southpaw to the hill it would be the right time to give him a break ... but Sveum should mix his lineup tonight and not use an all right-handed lineup against the Astros' lefty.

Tonight is all starts with Travis Wood ...

]]> Travis Wood will make his second start of the season. With the way Chris Volstad did not perform this year, Wood figures to remain in the Cubs' rotation ... it is pretty much his spot to lose. The Cubs need him to step up and pitch the way he did for the Reds in 2010 (5-4 in 17 starts with a 3.51 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP).

Wood's last big league start came against the Dodgers on May 6 at Wrigley. Wood was called up to fill in for Matt Garza. Wood put together a quality start and allowed three runs on three hits in six innings. Wood walked three, served up a homer and struck out four.

Travis Wood posted a 3-3 record in seven starts for the I-Cubs with a 4.57 ERA and a 1.43 WHIP ... in his last two Triple-A starts, Wood posted a 2-0 record with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.23 WHIP.

Tonight will be Travis Wood's six career start against Houston. Wood owns a 1-1 record in the first five with a 2.43 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP ... last season, 1-0 in three starts with a 1.02 ERA and a 1.25 WHIP. Wood is 1-1 in three starts at Minute Maid with a 2.89 ERA and a 1.07 WHIP.

Astros Career Numbers against Travis Wood

Jose Altuve - 0-for-2
Matt Downs - 2-for-2 with a walk
J.A. Happ - 0-for-2
Chris Johnson - 2-for-10 with a double
Carlos Lee - 2-for-10 with a walk
J.D. Martinez - 1-for-2

J.A. Happ is coming off a very good outing against the Brewers. The southpaw tossed six innings of shutout ball in Houston and surrendered seven hits and a walk while striking out four. In his last four starts, Happ is 2-2 with a 5.24 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP.

Happ has pitched much better at home this season (3-2 in five starts with a 4.30 ERA and a 1.57 WHIP) than on the road (0-1 in three starts with a 6.19 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP).

The key to beating J.A. Happ is patience. The Cubs must make him work and Dale Sveum must mix in his lefties and not use an all right-handed lineup. Southpaws are hitting .302 against Happ this season with a .333 OBP (.726 OPS) while righties are hitting .275 with a .348 OBP (.778 OPS).

J.A. Happ is 0-1 in two career starts against the Cubs with a 9.00 ERA and a 2.67 WHIP. Happ did not face the Cubs last season.

Cubs Career Numbers against J.A. Happ

Jeff Baker - 3-for-5 with a walk
Starlin Castro - 2-for-2 with a double and a walk
Koyie Hill - 1-for-2 with a double
Reed Johnson - 0-for-2
Alfonso Soriano - 1-for-3 with a double and a walk
Ian Stewart - 1-for-2
Travis Wood - 0-for-1

Let's Talk Cubs Baseball ...

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Garza Rocked ... Cubs Drop Seventh in a Row - Cubs 4, Astros 8

2012-05-22T04:07:07Z

Game Forty-Two - Cubs 4, Astros 8
WP - Bud Norris (5-1) LP - Matt Garza (2-2) Save - None

The Cubs lost their season-worst seventh straight game and if not for scoring four runs in the ninth, Dale Sveum's team would have been shut out for the second day in a row. The Cubs have not been shut out on back-to-back days since May 4-5, 2006 (San Diego Padres). Over the last three games, the Cubs have scored runs in only two of the 27 innings.

While the Cubs offense was beyond horrible again for the first eight innings, Matt Garza picked a bad time to have his shortest outing of the season.

Matt Garza retired the Astros in order in the first inning on just 14 pitches ... and it went downhill from there. Houston pounded Garza in the second and third innings to the tune of seven runs on five hits with two walks. Jason Castro and Chris Johnson both hit three run homers off Garza, who was lifted after the third inning.

Matt Garza simply did not have it Monday night ... all seven runs he allowed scored with two outs. Garza's final line: seven runs on five hits, two home runs, with two walks and two strikeouts. Garza threw 72 pitches, 42 for strikes. Monday was the second shortest outing for Garza as a Chicago Cub. Garza lasted two innings against the Nationals last season in D.C. and surrendered seven runs, six earned, on eight hits with a walk and four strikeouts.

Randy Wells made his first appearance since being recalled from Iowa. Wells might have a shot at sticking in the Cubs' pen after struggling at both the big league level and at Triple-A as a starter. Wells kept Dale Sveum from having to use his pen on a night Matt Garza barely made it through three innings.

Randy Wells allowed one run on three hits with two walks and three strikeouts in five innings of work. Wells made only one mistake, a solo homer by Jed Lowrie in the seventh inning. Wells threw 78 pitches, 46 for strikes, in relief of Matt Garza.

The Astros scored all eight of their runs with two outs ... and seven of the eight runs scored on three longballs.

Houston hit three home runs off Cubs' pitching Monday night. Over the last four games Cubs pitching has served up 11 longballs ... while the Cubs' offense has hit just two balls out of the park.

The Cubs outhit the Astros 11-8 on Monday night but showed no life against Bud Norris. The Cubs were a miserable 0-for-9 with runners in scoring position prior to the ninth and finished the game 4-for-15 with RISP and left 10 on base.

Starlin Castro (2-for-5), David DeJesus (2-for-4, with a RBI, a walk and a run scored), Adrian Cardenas (2-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored) and Koyie Hill (2-for-4 with a run scored) each notched multi-hit games while Blake Lalli's first big league hit drove in two of the Cubs' four runs in the ninth.

Of the Cubs' 11 hits, only two went for extra bases (doubles by Cardenas) and not one left the park.

The Cubs have lost nine of their last 11 and with Monday's defeat the Cubs have dropped to a season-low 12 games under .500 with a 15-27 record ...

]]> Bud Norris retired David DeJesus on two pitches to start the game. DeJesus fouled out to left. Tony Campana walked on a 3-2 pitch. On the first pitch to Castro, Campana took off for second and slid in safe. Starlin Castro ended up grounding out to third for the second out. Campana took off for third on the first pitch to LaHair and made it safely but was stranded when LaHair struck out swinging. Norris threw 22 pitches in the first inning, 14 for strikes.

Matt Garza sat down the top of the Astros' lineup in order on 14 pitches, nine for strikes, in the first.

Alfonso Soriano grounded out to short (2-1 pitch) to start the second. Ian Stewart then worked the count full before grounding out to second. Adrian Cardenas lined a 2-1 pitch off Travis Buck's glove in right. Cardenas was given a double. Koyie Hill predictably grounded out to short to end the inning. Norris threw 39 pitches in the first two innings, 24 for strikes.

Matt Garza made quick work of Carlos Lee and Brian Bogusevic to start the second. Garza recorded the first two outs on just four pitches. Chris Johnson put together a long at bat that changed the inning. Johnson ended up ripping a single into left on the seventh pitch (2-2 count). Garza lost his command and issued a five-pitch walk to J.D. Martinez.

With two on and two out, Jason Castro launched a 0-2 pitch into the bleachers beyond the right field wall. Castro's first homer since 2010 (July 19, 2010 against the Cubs' Mitch Atkins at Wrigley Field) gave the Astros a commanding 3-0 lead. Garza retired Bud Norris on a fly out to right. A disgusted Matt Garza walked to the dugout after throwing 37 pitches in two innings, 24 for strikes.

Matt Garza and David DeJesus struck out to start the third. Tony Campana reached on a single to left and Starlin Castro followed with a single to left ... both hits came on the first pitch from Bud Norris. Bryan LaHair stepped in and lifted Norris' first offering to deep left. J.D. Martinez caught the ball three feet from the wall to end the inning.

Garza continued struggling with his command in the third. Jose Altuve flied out to center on a 3-1 pitch. Jed Lowrie singled to right on a 3-2 offering. Garza put himself in his third three-ball count in as many hitters. Travis Buck struck out swinging on a 3-2 pitch. Lowrie was running and slid safe as Koyie Hill's throw ended up into center. Lowrie ended up at third with two down.

Carlos Lee did what Carlos Lee has always done against the Cubs ... drive in runs. Lee ripped a 1-2 pitch into left that plated Lowrie with the Astros' fourth run. Garza fell behind Brian Bogusevic 3-0 before getting one over. Bogusevic then walked on a 3-2 pitch. Dale Sveum made a visit to the mound after the free pass.

Chris Johnson launched a 2-1 pitch to the deepest part of the park (right center). The Astros' second three-run homer of the night put the game away in the third inning. Garza retired J.D. Martinez on a fly out to right for the third out. Matt Garza threw 72 pitches in three innings, 42 for strikes.

After three, the Cubs trailed 7-0.

Alfonso Soriano grounded out to short to start the fourth. Ian Stewart walked. Adrian Cardenas flied out to center for the second out. Koyie Hill followed with a single to right. Stewart advanced to third and Sveum went to his bench. Jeff Baker hit for Garza and hit a routine fly to right on a 0-1 pitch to end the inning.

Randy Wells took over in the fourth and faced the minimum after issuing a leadoff walk to Jason Castro. Bud Norris popped out to right and Altuve grounded into a 5-4-3 double play.

David DeJesus walked to start the fifth. Campana hit a weak grounder to short. DeJesus advanced to second as Lowrie's throw just beat Campana ... but both Castro and LaHair struck out swinging to end the inning.

Randy Wells' second inning of work began with a single off the bat of Jed Lowrie (right field). Travis Buck hit a swinging bunt to the first base side of the mound that Wells fielded and shoveled to LaHair. With Lowrie at second, Carlos Lee grounded out to short and Bogusevic also grounded out to short to end the inning.

The Cubs did nothing in the sixth. Norris threw 96 pitches, 65 for strikes, in six innings.

Joe Mather took over in left in the sixth and Randy Wells sat down the Astros in order.

Other than a two-out single by David DeJesus, the Cubs did nothing in the seventh against Bud Norris.

Randy Wells took the hill for his fourth inning of work. Wells struck out Marwin Gonzalez swinging to start the seventh. Jose Altuve grounded out to short but Jed Lowrie cranked the Astros' third longball of the night ... a solo homer to right center. Wells then walked Travis Buck and gave up a single to Carlos Lee. Wells ended the inning by retiring Bogusevic on a pop out to left center.

At the end of seven, the Cubs were being pounded 8-0.

Starlin Castro led off the eight with a single to the hole at short off Enerio Del Rosario ... but that was all. Blake Lalli hit for LaHair and grounded out to second. Castro advanced to second with one down. Joe Mather and Ian Stewart hit routine grounders to third and first to end the inning.

Randy Wells retired Houston in order in the eighth.

The Cubs were able to get on the board in the ninth against Enerio Del Rosario and the Astros' bullpen.

Adrian Cardenas led off the ninth with his second double of the game ... a bloop double to left that ended up in the stands for a ground rule two-bagger. Koyie Hill followed with a single. Cardenas held at third with no outs.

Reed Johnson hit for Randy Wells and broke up the shutout with a single to center. Hill was running with the pitch and advanced to third. Brad Mills went to the pen and brought in Fernando Abad.

David DeJesus singled to right center. Hill scored, 8-2 Astros. Johnson ended up at third with no outs. Tony Campana struck out swinging and Mills went back to his pen for Wilton Lopez.

Starlin Castro flied out to right center on Lopez's first pitch. Blake Lalli, who stayed in the game at first base, knocked his first big league basehit into right. Travis Buck appeared to lose theball in the lights. Two runs scored and made it an 8-4 game. Joe Mather hit Lopez's first pitch into right center to end the game.

Box Score from Yahoo Sports

Travis Wood is expected to face J.A. Happ in game two of the three game series on Tuesday night.

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Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. Astros - 05/21/12

2012-05-21T21:15:00Z

Game Forty-Two: Cubs (15-26) vs. Astros (18-23)
Game Time - 7:05pm CDT
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 187/914
Location - Minute Maid Park, Houston

Matt Garza (2-1, 2.58/1.04) vs. Bud Norris (4-1, 3.58/1.21)

The Cubs start a new week tonight with the first of six game road trip through Houston and Pittsburgh. Dale Sveum's team begins a difficult stretch with the first of three against the Astros that sees them play 16 of the next 19 on the road.

After not posting a victory since last Monday it will be up to Matt Garza to end the Cubs' second six-game losing streak of the year. Matt Garza wants to be a number one in a big league rotation ... and number ones end losing streaks.

The Cubs might have a different looking lineup tonight. Following Sunday's loss, Dale Sveum suggested he could make changes to the top of his lineup in order to try to generate runs. Multiple reports have Starlin Castro moving out of the three-hole of a starting nine that does not have a true three-hole hitter at this point ... look for Alfonso Soriano to move up in the lineup. Since May 1, Soriano is hitting .311/.373/.557/.931 with six doubles and three home runs.

The Cubs have struggled over the last two seasons with the Astros (8-7 in 15 games last season, 7-11 in 18 games in 2010), mainly due to their pitching staff and Brett Myers. Myers is no longer a starter and has moved into the closer's role. After sending Bud Norris to the hill tonight, Brad Mills will send lefties J.A. Happ and Wandy Rodriguez to the hill on Tuesday and Wednesday. Sveum will counter with Travis Wood and Jeff Samardzija but the Cubs are just 1-6 in games started by southpaws this season.

Tonight it all starts with Matt Garza ...

]]> Matt Garza showed signs of returning to form in his last outing against the Phillies. Garza admitted he was not back at full strength after missing 12 days with the flu. Garza jumped out in front of several hitters but did not seem to have the little extra needed. Garza struck out a season low two batters while running up his pitch count. Garza ended up with a no decision after allowed two runs on eight hits with a walk and two strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings to Philadelphia.

In his last two starts, a visibly depleted Matt Garza has still only allowed three runs on 11 hits in 11 2/3 innings with six walks and five strikeouts (2.31 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP). Garza casually mentioned the only thing positive from his last outing was that he walked only one batter.

For as good as Garza has been this season, he's struggled on the road. Garza is 1-1 in three starts outside of Wrigley with a 3.71 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP and will face a very hungry, young Astros lineup tonight.

Matt Garza has never beaten Houston and owns a 0-2 record in four starts that includes a complete game (3.00 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP) ... last season, no record in two starts with a 2.81 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP. Garza is 0-1 in his only career start at Minute Maid with a 2.25 ERA and a 1.13 WHIP.

Astros Career Numbers against Matt Garza

Jose Altuve - 0-for-3
Brian Bogusevic - 1-for-4
Travis Buck - 1-for-2 with a home run and a walk
Matt Downs - 0-for-3
Chris Johnson - 0-for-2 with a walk
Carlos Lee - 4-for-13 with two doubles, two home runs and a walk
Jed Lowrie - 0-for-6
J.D. Martinez - 1-for-4
Jordan Schafer - 1-for-4

Bud Norris has been very, very good for Houston this season. Norris has won his last three starts and the Astros are 7-1 in his eight games this season. Norris is coming off an excellent seven inning start against the Brewers in which he allowed one run on four hits with only two walks while striking out a season-high nine batters.

Bud Norris is 3-0 in his last three starts with a 0.47 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP.

Like many young pitchers in the NL Central, Bud Norris has had some of his better outings against the Cubs in his short career. Norris is 2-2 in five games, four starts, with a 2.39 ERA and a 1.44 WHIP ... last season, 1-1 in two starts with a 3.18 ERA and a 1.50 WHIP.

Cubs Career Numbers against Bud Norris

Jeff Baker - 1-for-5 with a double
Welington Castillo - 1-for-3 with a double
Starlin Castro - 2-for-8
Koyie Hill - 1-for-4
Alfonso Soriano - 3-for-7 with a double, a home run and two walks

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Cubs Down on the Farm Report - 05/21/12

2012-05-21T05:10:00Z

The mid-May shuffle is now having an impact on all levels of the organization. Unfortunately, it is injuries, and not performance that is causing the shake-up. However, that doesn't mean that some players haven't deserved some consideration. Anthony Rizzo is posting MVP-type numbers, while Matt Szczur and Jae-Hoon Ha are bouncing back from rough stretches at Daytona and Tennessee respectively. And the organization has gotten excellent pitching from PJ Francescon, Frank Del Valle, Travis Wood and Frankie De La Cruz.

To see how this all came about; a trip inside today's Down on the Farm Report will set you straight.

]]> Note: Monday's report will cover games from Wednesday to Saturday. Thursday's report covers games Sunday through Tuesday.

Low Class-A - Peoria Chiefs (19-24)
Peoria's climb in the standing hit a bump on Wednesday, as they fell 5-4 to Clinton. Michael Jensen looked to have clear sailing, holding the Lumber Kings scoreless through four innings while striking out three batters. But a Wes Darvill (2-for-4) error led to four unearned runs in the fifth inning, wiping out a 3-0 lead for the Chiefs. Darvill would help make up for the error by singling and coming home on a Ryan Cuneo (3-for-4, double, three RBI) RBI single in the sixth. But Sheldon McDonald surrendered the lead for good in the bottom half of the inning with an earned run, as he pitched two innings. Luis Liria tried to keep the Chiefs close by shutting down Clinton in the eighth inning, but the offense couldn't rally. Taylor Davis joined Darvill and Cuneo in having a multi-hit game. Davis was 2-for-4 with an RBI.

The Chiefs inched closer to being the first team in the organization to 20 wins on Thursday with a 4-3 win over Clinton. Staff ace PJ Francescon was on the mound and continued his success, only allowing an unearned run over six innings while striking out three batters. In his return to Peoria, Larry Suarez was the victim of two unearned runs in his two innings. Lefty closer Jeffrey Lorick struck out two in the ninth to pick up his sixth save.

One of the hottest hitters for the Chiefs is Marco Hernandez, who has a .356 average over his last ten games. Hernandez was the focal point on Thursday, as he was 2-for-3 with a triple and two runs scored. Pin-Chieh Chen was moved back into the leadoff spot and was 2-for-5, including a stolen base and an RBI. Wes Darvill and Oliver Zapata were each 1-for-4 with a stolen base.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

The race for 20 wins had a setback on Friday, as Peoria fell to Clinton 8-2. Jose Rosario had another good outing, allowing two earned runs and striking out nine batters in 5.1 innings. But newly acquired Hunter Cervenka wasn't able to pitch around a Wes Darvill (1-for-3, double, RBI) error in the seventh, giving up four runs (one earned) in 1.2 innings. Austin Reed came on to pitch the last two innings, but the usually reliable Reed had an off-night, letting in another two earned runs. Rafael Lopez was 2-for-4, while Ryan Cuneo drove in the other run with a sacrifice fly.

The elusive 20-win mark will have to wait another day, as the Chiefs defense abandoned them in a 7-6 loss to Cedar Rapids on Saturday. Starter Kyler Burke did well enough, allowing only three earned runs in five innings, but three unearned runs also crossed the plate while he was pitching. Sheldon McDonald was also a victim, as another unearned run scored in his two innings. While Yao-Lin Wang finished up with a scoreless eighth, the damage had been already done. Pin-Chieh Chen (1-for-3) topped a four-run second inning by belting his first home run of the season, a three-run shot. Taylor Davis was 2-for-2 with a double and triple, while Paul Hoilman was 2-for-3, including a double and an RBI.

High Class-A - Daytona Cubs (16-24)
The now streaking Daytona Cubs were only able to get in the first half of a doubleheader on Wednesday, just ahead of the weather, but were able to prevail against Brevard County 6-2. After a few games rest, Matt Szczur (2-for-4) tripled to lead off the game and came home on a Nelson Perez (1-for-3) RBI single. Perez came around as an Elieser Bonne (2-for-4) single brought him in. That's how things stayed until the Manatees were able to tie the score in the bottom of the sixth. The D-Cubs put on the winning kick in the top of the ninth, as Sergio Burruel (1-for-3) doubled to lead things off. Burruel touched home on a Arismendy Alcantara (2-for-4) RBI single. Alcantara promptly stole two bases and was able to walk home on a single by Greg Rohan (1-for-3). Rohan would eventually come home on Bonne's second RBI single of the game.

After starting the year on the disabled list, Matt Loosen looks as if he is finally rounding into form as he went 5.2 innings while giving up and earned run and striking out six batters. Tony Zych relieved Loosen, but allowed Brevard County to tie the score with an earned run in 1.1 innings. However, Zych was awarded the win after Ty'Relle Harris slammed the door with a scoreless eighth.

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While the D-Cubs were four-hit by the Palm Beach Cardinals on Thursday, the pitching staff can take the bulk of the blame for an 8-2 loss. It's time to tell it like it is, and Zach Cates appears to be totally overmatched by the level of play in the Florida State League. Cates wasn't able to complete three innings, as he allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits and two walks. Hayden Simpson was asked to try and bail Cates out, and gave up another two earned runs in 2.1 innings. Eduardo Figueroa and Joe Zeller were able to restore order for an inning apiece, but Ryan Searle let in the final two earned runs in his return to Daytona. Nelson Perez (1-for-4) got the D-Cubs on the board with a solo home run in the second, while Greg Rohan (2-for-3) tripled in Matt Szczur for the other run.

Daytona's offensive attack now seems to be kicking into high gear as they defeated Palm Beach 8-4 on Friday. However, Frank Del Valle posted another impressive outing, striking out eight while allowing four runs (one earned) in six innings. AJ Morris also has done well this season, as he pitched a scoreless inning and struck out two batters. Scott Weismann finished things off with two perfect innings to get his first save.

The D-Cubs' first baseman Richard Jones has scuffled all year, but broke out in a big way as he was 3-for-4 including a double and three RBI. The Florida State League leader in RBI, Greg Rohan, also added to his total as he drove in two by going 3-for-4 with two doubles. Joining Jones and Rohan, Arismendy Alcantara was also 3-for-4 while Matt Szczur was 2-for-5 and added two more stolen bases to his league leading 18.

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The usually reliable effort of Daytona starter Eric Jokisch just wasn't there on Saturday, as the D-Cubs lost to Palm Beach 5-3. Jokisch was staked to an early lead, thanks to Matt Szczur (2-for-3, double, home run, two RBI), who hit a solo home run in the first inning. Daytona would add two more runs, as Szczur and Richard Jones (1-for-4) were able to bring runners home. But as Jokisch was sailing through four innings, striking out four batters, he was unusually wild in the fifth, allowing five earned runs that could have been more, if not for a nifty 1-2-3 double play. Ty'Relle Harris got Daytona out of the fifth without any further damage, and was able to toss another scoreless inning. Ryan Searle shutout the Cardinals the rest of the way, but the offense could not rally.

Double-A - Tennessee Smokies (19-23)
An off-day and reshuffled roster brought good results on Thursday, as Tennessee opened a series against Mississippi with a 3-2 win. Brooks Raley has displayed improved command this season, as his home run rate has dropped dramatically. Raley went five innings, striking out three while allowing two earned runs. Returning from Iowa, Frank Batista picked right where he left off by firing a scoreless inning. Casey Harman followed suite, while Kevin Rhoderick earned save number five the hard way by keeping the Braves off the board for two innings. The offensively challenged Smokies made the most out of five hits, with James Adduci going 2-for-4 with two runs scored, while Logan Watkins drove in two and was 1-for-4.

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A new batting order still failed to produce a consistent offense, as Tennessee dropped a 4-2 loss to Mississippi on Friday. Junior Lake was moved down to the three spot in the order, while Logan Watkins and Jae-Hoon Ha move up a spot. The positive effect was that Ha went 2-for-4 in a spot he's comfortable hitting in, while Watkins and Lake were hitless. Luis Flores drove in both runs as he was 1-for-2. Michael Burgess was 1-for-3 with a double. Starter Nick Struck did his best to keep the Smokies in the game, but ended up allowing four earned runs in 6.1 innings while striking out four batters. Brian Schlitter went scoreless the rest of the way, but the offense was never able to get on track.

As the Smokies swapped starters on Saturday night, their ten hits were enough to produce a 3-2 victory over Mississippi. Trey McNutt had been listed as Saturday's starter, but he was pushed back a day and Dallas Beeler came in a day early. Beeler gave a solid effort, allowing two earned runs and striking out two in two innings. The bullpen then did their work, as Marcus Hatley shut down the Braves for two innings and struck out two batters. After Jeffry Antigua walked a batter, Alberto Cabrera came in and had things going for him, striking out three batters in two innings to record the long save, his third of the season.

Jae-Hoon Ha returned to the third spot in the order and was instrumental in jump starting the Tennessee offense, going 2-for-4 with two doubles and a run scored. Rebel Ridling was 2-for-3 with an RBI, while Justin Bour drove in the other two runs and was 2-for-4, including a double.

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Triple-A - Iowa Cubs (18-23)
The I-Cubs could be referred to as the "Cardiac Cubs", giving fans a scare on Thursday by once again nearly throwing one away as they outlasted Salt Lake City 7-5. Moved to the sixth spot in the order, Brett Jackson displayed some of the offense that becomes a top prospect by going 3-for-4 with a triple, home run, and an RBI. Anthony Rizzo also slugged his 14th homer, as he was 1-for-3 with two driven in. Also plating two was Ty Wright, whose two doubles were part of a 2-for-4 night. Dave Sappelt was also 2-for-4, including a double and a stolen base.

Travis Wood continues to work his ERA down, as he went seven innings, allowing two earned runs while striking out three batters. Jeff Beliveau stung the Bees for two strikeouts in a scoreless inning. However, Manny Corpas helped make a game of it, giving up three earned runs in the ninth before finally slamming the door.

Click Here for Complete Box Score

As the shuttle from Chicago to Iowa remained in high gear, the I-Cubs weren't able to sustain any offense and received shoddy relief work in a 5-4 loss to Salt Lake City on Friday. While seven Iowa players collected hits, none were able to have more than one, with Alfredo Amezaga's (1-for-4, RBI) third inning solo homer being the biggest. Anthony Rizzo and Josh Vitters each had doubles, while Dave Sappelt, Ty Wright, and Juan Apodaca drove in runs. Frankie De La Cruz may be the next player the parent club turns to if they continue to have problems with their starting rotation, as he allowed two runs (one earned) and struck out four in 6.2 innings. Nate Robertson showed that in small doses, he might still be able to contribute as he struck out the only batter he faced. Jay Jackson, on the other hand, continues to baffle as he allowed the Bees to tie things up in the eighth inning. After Scott Maine set down Salt Lake in the ninth, the offense couldn't come through. In the tenth, Maine gave up two earned runs to let the Bess walk away a winner.

After posting a run in the first inning, the Iowa bats fell silent as they lost 6-1 to Salt Lake City on Saturday. Brett Jackson (1-for-3) tripled to lead off the game, and scored on an Anthony Rizzo (1-for-3, double) fielder's choice. Josh Vitters (1-for-4) would be the only other I-Cub to record a hit. Chris Rusin wasn't as overpowering as he had been in his previous two starts, but allowing three earned runs and striking out four in six innings placed Iowa in a good enough position to win, if his teammates had come through. Mike MacDougal followed Rusin and served up two home runs in two innings, while Esmailin Caridad tossed another gopher ball in the ninth.

News and Notes
The Chicago Cubs recalled LHP Scott Maine from the Iowa Cubs; outrighted IF Blake DeWitt to the Iowa Cubs. The Chicago Cubs selected RHP Blake Parker from the Iowa Cubs; optioned LHP Scott Maine to the Iowa Cubs. The Chicago Cubs selected C Blake Lalli from the Iowa Cubs; optioned RHP Chris Volstad to the Iowa Cubs. Infielder Nate Samson was assigned to the Iowa Cubs from the Tennessee Smokies; RHP Frank Batista was assigned to the Tennessee Smokies; IF Gioskar Amaya was assigned to the Boise Hawks. The Chicago Cubs recalled RHP Randy Wells from the Iowa Cubs; assigned C Brian Esposito to the Iowa Cubs from Extended Spring Training.

The Tennessee Smokies assigned RHP Ryan Searle to the Daytona Cubs. Catcher Micah Gibbs was assigned to the Daytona Cubs from Extended Spring Training. The Daytona Cubs assigned RHP Larry Suarez to the Peoria Chiefs. The Peoria Chiefs released RHP Charles Thomas; LHP Hunter Cervenka was acquired from the Greenville Drive; RHP Bryce Shafer was assigned to Extended Spring Training.

CCO's Prospect Watch

Javier Baez (IF) - Extended Spring Training
Jeimer Candelario (3B) - Extended Spring Training
Zeke DeVoss (2B) - .235, six doubles, triple, two home runs, 11 RBI, 11 stolen bases (Peoria Chiefs)
Junior Lake (IF) - . 273, three doubles, triple, home run, four RBI, three stolen bases (Tennessee Smokies)
Dillon Maples (RHP) - Extended Spring Training
Matt Szczur (OF) - .265, 10 doubles, three triples, home run, nine RBI, 18 stolen bases (Daytona Cubs)
Ronald Torreyes (2B) - .162, three doubles, two triples, five RBI, four stolen bases (Daytona Cubs)
Josh Vitters (3B) - .246, seven doubles, four home runs, 18 RBI, stolen base (Iowa Cubs)
Dan Vogelbach (1B) - Extended Spring Training
Tony Zych (RHP) - 2-1, 3.54 ERA, 20.1 innings, 17 strikeouts, 4 walks, 1.28 WHIP, 4 saves (Daytona Cubs)

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Shelled, Shutout and Swept - Cubs 0, White Sox 6

2012-05-20T21:36:17Z

Game Forty-One - Cubs 0, White Sox 6
WP - Jake Peavy (5-1) LP - Paul Maholm (4-3) Save - None

On a day with the wind howling out, the Cubs offense could not get the ball past the mound and were shutout for the first time this season while the White Sox continued playing pepper with the bleachers at the old ballyard ... and with Waveland Avenue. The White Sox completed only their second series sweep at Wrigley Field since Interleague play began (June 11-June 13, 1999) with a commanding victory over Paul Maholm and the Cubs.

Paul Maholm had a quality start after six innings. Maholm made only three mistakes in the first six innings but all three left the yard. Gordon Beckham, Adam Dunn and Tyler Flowers crushed three pitches off Maholm that accounted for all three of the runs that Maholm allowed through the first six frames. Dale Sveum left Maholm in to start the seventh and the Sox tacked on two more to Maholm's final line.

Maholm ended up allowing five runs on nine hits (three home runs) without a walk and five strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings. Maholm threw 97 pitches, 67 for strikes, and did what he could to keep his team in the game on a hitter's day at Wrigley Field.

The Cubs offense was beyond pathetic Sunday afternoon. They had a good game plan early against Jake Peavy and made him work but when the Cubs made contact they could not get the ball out of the infield. Seven of the first 10 batters on Sunday afternoon did not hit the ball past Jake Peavy and only three of the first 16 batters hit the ball out of the infield. Of the first 21 batters that Jake Peavy faced, only four balls made it out of the infield.

The Cubs managed only five hits, all singles and a double by Joe Mather in the ninth, and finished the game 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left 10 runners on base. The Cubs loaded the bases twice on Sunday and could not drive in a single run. One of the keys, Starlin Castro and Bryan LaHair are not getting much to hit. While Castro (1-for-4 with two strikeouts) tallied one of the Cubs' five hits he is expanding his strike zone, Bryan LaHair (1-for-2 with two walks) walked twice in four plate appearances.

With Sunday's loss (4-3 on Sundays in 2012), the Cubs dropped to 11 games under the breakeven point with a 15-26 record ... and finished the homestand a big 0 and 5.

]]> Paul Maholm did a good job in the first of mixing his pitches and keeping the ball down. Maholm retired the Sox in order on 15 pitches, nine for strikes, with two ground outs to short and a strikeout of Adam Dunn (3-2 pitch).

The Cubs did nothing in the first but at least made Jake Peavy work a little. Peavy threw 15 pitches in the first, nine for strikes.

Maholm retired Dayan Viciedo on a grounder to short to start the second. Alexei Ramirez stuck out swinging on an excellent 2-2 curve. Kosuke Fukudome made his first at bat of the series and hit a sky-high chopper off the plate on Maholm's first pitch. Maholm fielded the ball, rushed his throw and the ball ended up down the right field line. Fukudome ended up at second with two outs. Tyler Flowers popped a 1-1 pitch into shallow right that Adrian Cardenas caught to end the inning. Maholm threw 31 pitches, 19 for strikes, in the first two innings.

Bryan LaHair led off the second with his first hit of the homestand. Alfonso Soriano followed with a long, nine-pitch at bat. Peavy jammed Soriano on a 3-2 pitch, the bat shattered and Peavy fielded the ball on the first base side of the mound. LaHair slid in safe at second as Soriano jogged to first. Ian Stewart hit a comebacker on a 1-2 pitch, LaHair misread the ball and was caught in a run down for the second out. With Stewart at first, Adrian Cardenas hit a routine grounder up the middle that Beckham flipped to Ramirez to end the inning. Peavy tossed 34 pitches, 25 for strikes, over two innings.

The Sox went down in order in the third. Maholm threw 10 pitches, eight for strikes, and struck out two batters (41 pitches through three, 27 for strikes).

The Cubs did nothing in the third. After good at bats early, Peavy started carving up Cubs' hitters in the third. After three, Peavy's pitch count was at 41, 30 for strikes.

Gordon Beckham launched Maholm's first pitch of the fourth onto Waveland ... and just like that the White Sox took a commanding 1-0 lead. Adam Dunn followed and lifted a 2-2 pitch deep into the bleachers in left center. After the two solo bombs, Maholm settled down and retired Viciedo (popped out to center), Ramirez (struck out looking) and Fukudome (tapped out to third base side of plate) to end the inning ... 60 pitches for Maholm after four, 40 for strikes.

After Tony Campana popped out to short (2-1 pitch) to start the Cubs' fourth, Starlin Castro finally got the ball out of the infield with a single to right center. Bryan LaHair walked on four pitches but Alfonso Soriano struck out swinging on three pitches. Ian Stewart showed patience and walked to load the bases with two outs. Adrian Cardenas could not get the job done and popped out to short (2-2 pitch) to end the inning. Peavy threw 30 pitches in the fourth and for the afternoon his pitch count stood at 71, 47 for strikes.

The Cubs were 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position and left four on base in the first four innings.

Tyler Flowers led off the fifth and crushed Maholm's 1-2 mistake. The ball ended up on Waveland and the Sox third solo homer of the game gave the Sox a 3-0 lead ... the third homer surrendered by Maholm in a six-batter stretch.

Maholm settled down and retired Brent Lillibridge on a grounder to short and Peavy on a liner to second. Alejandro De Aza reached on a two-out single to center but Gordon Beckham popped a 2-1 pitch up to Ian Stewart to end the inning.

After four and a half, the Cubs trailed 3-0.

The Cubs did nothing in the fifth ... and other than a one-out single by Dayan Viciedo the Sox did nothing against Maholm in the sixth. Maholm threw 87 pitches in six innings, 59 for strikes.

The Cubs did nothing in the sixth ... 94 pitches for Peavy after six, 66 for strikes and only four balls hit out of the infield.

The Sox separated in the seventh and turned a commanding 3-0 lead into an insurmountable five-run advantage. Tyler Flowers led off the inning with a double off the base of the vines in right (0-2 pitch). Brent Lillibridge followed with a single to right (1-2 pitch). With runners on first and third and no out, Jake Peavy hit Maholm's first pitch to the hole at short. Starlin Castro made a tremendous play, fielded the ball and threw to second to force Lillibridge as Flowers scored. Cardenas could not get the ball out of his glove and Peavy reached. De Aza ripped a 1-0 pitch into right center. Peavy ended up at third and Dale Sveum emerged from the Cubs' dugout.

Shawn Camp took over. Gordon Beckham lifted Camp's first pitch into right. DeJesus caught the ball but Peavy tagged and scored the Sox fifth run. After Adam Dunn walked on four pitches, Viciedo flied out to left to end the inning.

After six and a half, the Cubs trailed 5-0.

Alfonso Soriano led off the seventh with a single to left center off Jake Peavy. After Ian Stewart flied out to right (0-2 pitch), Robin Ventura went to his pen for Matt Thornton to face Adrian Cardenas. Dale Sveum countered with Darwin Barney ... who flied out to deep center for the second out. Koyie Hill singled to left center and Sveum went to his bench for a pinch hitter. Jeff Baker hit for Shawn Camp and grounded out weakly to second to end the inning.

Casey Coleman took over in the eighth and sat down the Sox in order.

After a long at bat by David DeJesus that resulted in a swinging strikeout on a 3-2 pitch to start the eighth, Matt Thornton walked Tony Campana. Ventura made his way to the mound and brought in Jesse Crain to face Starlin Castro. Campana took second on the first pitch to Castro. Castro expanded his strike zone and struck out swinging for the second out. Bryan LaHair and Alfonso Soriano worked back-to-back walks to load the bases ... but Ian Stewart could not check his swing and was called out on a 2-2 pitch to end the inning.

Rafael Dolis walked Brent Lillibridge on four pitches to start the ninth. Lillibridge then scored all the way from first on what was ruled as a double to left by pinch-hitter Alex Rios ... Soriano's knee played the ball into a double and a run. De Aza lined out to left, Beckham grounded out to short and Dunn was ruled to have swung on a 3-2 pitch to end the inning.

The Cubs went to the ninth trailing 6-0.

Other than a two-out double by Joe Mather, the bottom of the Cubs' lineup did nothing against Addison Reed in the ninth ... game over, series over and homestand over.

Regardless of what happens during the three-game series on the South Side in June, the Sox can do no worse than finish with a tie in the season series against the Cubs ... so the BP Cup will remain on the South Side for another year.

Box Score from Yahoo Sports

The Cubs begin a six game road trip Monday night with the first of three in Houston ... Matt Garza against Bud Norris in game one.

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Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. White Sox - 05/20/12

2012-05-20T15:20:00Z

Game Forty-One: Cubs (15-25) vs. White Sox (20-21)
Game Time - 1:20pm CDT
Coverage - TV: Comcast SportsNet (Cubs), WGN TV (White Sox) - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 186/914
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago

Paul Maholm (4-2, 4.35/1.17) vs. Jake Peavy (4-1, 2.65/0.92)

The Cubs will shoot to avoid the sweep at the hand of the White Sox and salvage the last game of the homestand behind Paul Maholm this afternoon. After a good stretch of ball, the Cubs have lost their last five games and enter play today a season-low 10 games under .500.

The injury bug has hit the Cubs. Not only did they lose their starting and backup catcher in the same week that forced a move to bring back Koyie Hill but an injury to Blake Parker during the eighth inning of Saturday's game might force another move. Parker left the game with tightness in his right hamstring and will be re-evaluated Sunday morning.

Steve Clevenger and Carlos Marmol will begin rehab assignments on Monday with the Iowa Cubs. The Cubs are targeting a May 25 return for Clevenger. Marmol is scheduled to throw a side session Monday, then a simulated game on Wednesday. Marmol's first Triple-A action is scheduled for Friday.

More changes to the Cubs' roster are expected over the next three days but the injury to Blake Parker could force them to alter their plans. Dale Sveum is dealing with a lot of injuries right now, mainly to the catching corps, but the poor play has the Cubs staring at the possibility of a winless homestand (0-4).

Today all begins with Paul Maholm ...

]]> After a string of four excellent starts, Paul Maholm hit a bump in the road in his last outing against the Cardinals. Maholm barely made it through six innings and was hit pretty hard throughout the afternoon. Maholm allowed four runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts and received a no-decision.

Even with his rough start against the Redbirds, Maholm is 2-0 in his last three starts with a 2.37 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP. Maholm has kept the ball down and pitched to his defense, two things he must do today against the Sox.

Paul Maholm is 3-1 in four starts in his home park with a 3.13 ERA and a 1.04 WHIP.

Today will mark the third time in his career that Maholm has started a game against the White Sox. The veteran lefty is 1-1 in the first two with a 3.46 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP.

White Sox Career Numbers against Paul Maholm

Adam Dunn - 3-for-28 with seven walks
Kosuke Fukudome - 0-for-5
Paul Konerko - 1-for-5 with a walk
Jake Peavy - 1-for-2
A.J. Pierzynski - 1-for-4
Alex Rios - 0-for-3

The Cubs get the tough task of facing a rejuvenated Jake Peavy this afternoon. As a franchise the Cubs have always struggled against Peavy and he has been very, very good this season.

Until his last outing, Jake Peavy had allowed three earned runs or less in each of his seven starts. The Tigers hit around Peavy in his last start to the tune of six runs on nine hits in 5 1/3 innings. Peavy tied a season high in walks (2) while striking out a season low four batters.

Peavy is 2-0 in four road starts with a 2.12 ERA and a 1.01 WHIP and is 1-0 in his last three starts with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP after beginning the season 3-1 with a 1.67 ERA and a 0.69 WHIP.

Jake Peavy is 6-2 in 11 career starts against the Cubs with a 2.62 ERA and a 1.26 WHIP ... at Wrigley, 2-2 in six starts with a 3.60 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. Peavy beat the Cubs the only time he faced them a year ago (three runs on seven hits with three walks and five strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings).

Cubs Career Numbers against Jake Peavy

Jeff Baker - 1-for-3
Starlin Castro - 2-for-5 with a walk
David DeJesus - 0-for-11
Koyie Hill - 1-for-8
Reed Johnson - 0-for-4 with a walk
Paul Maholm - 0-for-2
Joe Mather - 1-for-1 with a home run
Alfonso Soriano - 8-for-23 with three doubles, three home runs and four walks
Ian Stewart - 2-for-5 with a home run and a walk

Let's Talk Cubs Baseball ...

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John Hanley, in conjunction with the Santo Family and JDRF, has produced a Ron Santo HOF Limited Edition Print with a portion of the proceeds going to JDRF. Those interested in purchasing the print honoring Ron Santo can visit www.johnhanleyartist.com.

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Dempster and the Cubs Dump Fifth in a Row - Cubs 4, White Sox 7

2012-05-20T03:01:11Z

Game Forty - Cubs 4, White Sox 7
WP - John Danks (3-4) LP - Ryan Dempster (0-2) Save - None

Dale Sveum's Cubs dropped their fifth game in a row and looked to be well on their way to being shutout for the first time this season. The White Sox took a 7-0 lead into the ninth and the Cubs had managed only five hits over eight innings.

Alfonso Soriano (3-for-4 with a home run, a double and two RBI) put the Cubs on the board with a two-run shot, his third home run of the week. After a two-out single by Jeff Baker, Joe Mather (1-for-3 with a home run, two RBI and a walk) hit the Cubs' second two-out, two-run homer in the ninth. Koyie Hill was 1-for-4 in his return to the Cubs and grounded out to second to end the game.

While the Cubs offense was non-existent for the first eight innings, Ryan Dempster put his team in an early hole and by the third inning the Cubs were looking up at a four-run deficit.

Ryan Dempster did not have it Saturday night. Dempster could not find a rhythm and struggled with his command throughout his six-inning outing. Dempster served up back-to-back home runs to Dayan Viciedo and A.J. Pierzynski in the third and left after giving up four runs on seven hits with three walks and three strikeouts in six innings. Dempster threw 90 pitches, 50 for strikes, in route to his second loss of the season.

The Sox tacked on three more runs in the eighth against the Cubs pen ... with a little help from the Cubs defense. James Russell served up a leadoff homer to Adam Dunn then was lifted with just one out after Alfonso Soriano misplayed a ball into a double and Joe Mather booted a routine grounder that loaded the bases. Blake Parker struck out the only batter he faced before leaving with tightness in his right hamstring. Michael Bowden inherited a 3-0 count on Alejandro De Aza and issued ball four that forced in the seventh run of the game.

Dale Sveum used six pitchers to get through nine innings Saturday night.

The Cubs offense made it very easy on John Danks and allowed him to take a perfect game into the fifth. Alfonso Soriano broke up Danks' bid for perfection with a one-out double in the fifth. The overly aggressive offense simply did not make Danks work. There were too many early swings and they allowed him to leave with one out in the seventh after throwing only 83 pitches, 54 for strikes.

With Saturday's loss, the Cubs dropped to a season low 10 games under .500 with a 15-25 record ...

]]> Ryan Dempster struggled finding a rhythm in the first inning. And labored through a long 24-pitch first inning that took 16 minutes to play.

Alejandro De Aza led off the game with a single to center (3-1 pitch). Gordon Beckham flied out to right on the first pitch. De Aza took off for second on the first pitch to Adam Dunn. Koyie Hill's throw was late and low and the Sox were in business. Dempster walked Dunn on four pitches.

Dayan Viciedo lined a 2-2 pitch into center. The ball fell just in front of Reed Johnson. De Aza scored, 1-0 Sox. Dempster struck out Pierzynski swinging (2-2 pitch) the retired Rios on a grounder to second to end the inning. Dempster threw 24 pitches in the first, 12 for strikes.

The Cubs did nothing in the first. John Danks threw only 10 pitches, 7 for strikes. Zero patience for an offense facing a pitcher that has struggled with issuing free passes all season.

Dempster seemed to find a little rhythm in the second and retired the Sox in order on 10 pitches (34 for the game, 20 for strikes).

The Cubs did nothing in the second ... six up and six down for Danks on 22 pitches, 15 for strikes.

Ryan Dempster made quick work of De Aza and Beckham to start the third. Dempster fell behind Adam Dunn before walking him on a 3-2 pitch. Dayan Viciedo drove a 1-0 pitch into left center that ended up in the basket and just like that the Sox had a 3-0 lead. A.J. Pierzynski hit the knockout blow. Pierzynski followed Viciedo's longball with a homer to left center on a 0-1 pitch that gave the Sox a commanding 4-0 lead. Rios grounded out to third on Dempster's 52nd pitch of the game (30 for strikes) to end the inning.

The bottom of the Cubs' order went quickly in the third. Danks threw only 31 pitches, 22 for strikes, in the first three innings.

Ryan Dempster sat down the bottom of the White Sox lineup in order in the fourth. Dempster threw 63 pitches, 38 for strikes, in four innings.

The Cubs continued making John Danks look good in the bottom of the fourth. The Cubs went down in order, 12 in a row, on just 46 pitches (32 for strikes).

Alejandro De Aza led off the top of the fifth with a bunt single up the third base line. On a 2-1 pitch De Aza took off for second. Koyie Hill threw him out at second. Gordon Beckham lined Dempster's next pitch back up the middle for a single. Dempster jumped ahead of Adam Dunn 1-2 before losing him and walking him for the third time on the night.

Dayan Viciedo stepped in with runners on first and second with one out. Dempster fell behind 2-1 before receiving a visit from Koyie Hill. Viciedo hit Dempster's next pitch back up the middle to Barney in the shift ... 4-3 inning ending double play on Dempster's 80th pitch of the day, 47 for strikes.

After Bryan LaHair struck out looking to start the fifth, Alfonso Soriano pulled a 1-0 pitch into the left field corner ... the Cubs first hit of the game. Jeff Baker flied out to right and Soriano advanced to third. Joe Mather showed patience and walked on four pitches. With runners on first and third with two down, Koyie Hill looked at three straight before flying out to right center on a 3-1 pitch to end the inning.

Ryan Dempster retired Pierzynski (ground out to second) and Rios (fly out to right) to start the sixth. Alexei Ramirez singled to left center but Escobar flied out to left for the third out. Dempster threw 90 pitches, 50 for strikes, in six innings.

Tony Campana hit for Dempster to begin the sixth. Campana lashed a 1-1 pitch back up the middle. Reed Johnson followed with a single to left but Darwin Barney looked at a questionable third strike and Starlin Castro hit into a 5-4-3 double play ... inning over.

The Sox went down 1-2-3 in the seventh against Shawn Camp.

John Danks started the seventh and struck out Bryan LaHair swinging. Robin Ventura took out the smirking John Danks after just 83 pitches, 54 for strikes.

Alfonso Soriano greeted Nate Jones with a single to center but Jeff Baker hit the first pitch to Beckham ... 4-6-3 double play, inning over.

James Russell started the eighth and with a lot of help from Soriano and Mather struggled for one of the first times this season. Adam Dunn greeted him with a long home run to right center. Russell retired Viciedo on a ground out to second. A.J. Pierzynski lined a 0-2 pitch toward left that Alfonso Soriano misplayed into a double. Russell then intentionally walked Alex Rios. Alexei Ramirez singled to center and drove in Pierzynski ... 6-0 White Sox. Eduardo Escobar then hit a grounder toward third. Joe Mather booted the ball. Castro tried to salvage the play by picking up the ball and throwing to Barney but his throw was late and the bases were loaded with one out.

Dale Sveum made the slow walk and brought in Blake Parker.

Parker struck out pinch-hitter Brent Lillibridge swinging for the second out. Parker fell behind De Aza 2-0. Parker missed on his third pitch to De Aza and appeared to land awkwardly on his follow through. After a visit from Mark O'Neal and Dale Sveum, Parker left the game.

Michael Bowden replaced Parker and inherited a bases loaded, two-out jam and a 3-0 count on Alejandro De Aza. Bowden's first pitch missed and he forced in Rios ... 7-0 White Sox. Bowden struck out Beckham swinging to end the inning.

Joe Mather flied out to right off Hector Santiago to start the eighth. Koyie Hill reached on a single to left. With Hill at second, Adrian Cardenas hit for Bowden and grounded out to short. Reed Johnson grounded to short to end the inning.

Casey Coleman faced the minimum in the ninth. Dunn walked for the fourth time on the night but Viciedo hit into a 5-4-3 double play and Pierzynski looked at strike three.

Robin Ventura sent Zach Stewart to the hill for a little mop up duty in the ninth. Stewart could not preserve the shutout after giving up a leadoff single to Darwin Barney. Starlin Castro struck out swinging and Bryan LaHair flied out to left.

Alfonso Soriano put the Cubs on the board with his third longball of the week. Soriano's two-run shot to left made it a 7-2 ballgame. Jeff Baker followed with a single then trotted home on a two-run homer by Joe Mather. Koyie Hill predictably grounded out to second to end the game.

Game two of round one of the City Series went to the Sox
.
Box Score from Yahoo Sports

Paul Maholm is scheduled to face Jake Peavy in the finale on Sunday afternoon.

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Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. White Sox - 05/19/12

2012-05-19T20:45:00Z

Game Forty: Cubs (15-24) vs. White Sox (19-21)
Game Time - 6:15pm CDT
Coverage - TV: FOX Saturday Baseball - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 184/914
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago

Ryan Dempster (0-1, 1.74/0.97) vs. John Danks (2-4, 6.46/1.61)

Updated 1:54pm CDT - Randy Wells Recalled from Triple-A Iowa

Updated 5:47pm CDT - Geovany Soto Placed on 15-Day DL

Dale Sveum will turn to Ryan Dempster to end the Cubs' four-game losing streak. The Cubs enter play tonight a season-high nine games under .500 in need of a win. With the retirement of Kerry Wood, Ryan Dempster is leader in the clubhouse and he needs to lead them to a victory tonight.

The Cubs acquired Koyie Hill from the Reds on Saturday morning for cash considerations. With all of the drama at Wrigley on Friday, no one asked why Welington Castillo was removed in the ninth inning for Blake Lalli. It appears Castillo will miss several days (reports suggest 4-7 days) after an MRI revealed a mild MCL sprain in his right knee. Hill is in the starting lineup and hitting eighth.

The Cubs play a rare Saturday night game at Wrigley. Tonight is the first scheduled Satruday night game at Wrigley since 1998. The Cubs have played two Saturday night games at the old ballyard since but both were makeups as parts of doubleheaders in 2002 and 2011.

This is the first of three straight Saturday night games for the Cubs on FOX Saturday Baseball.

It is game two of round one of the City Series, what does today have in store for the Cubs and White Sox?

Tonight it all starts with Ryan Dempster ...

]]> Ryan Dempster finally received run support in his last start but he was not able to hold the lead and left after giving up four runs on nine hits with a walk and five strikeouts in six innings to the Cardinals. Dempster received another no decision after allowing a season-high in runs and hits. The Cubs won the game, the first time they posted a victory in a game started by Dempster this season.

Even with the less than quality start against the Cardinals, Ryan Dempster has allowed five earned runs on 18 hits in his last three starts (21 innings) with three walks and 18 strikeouts (2.14 ERA and a 1.00 WHIP).

For as good as Dempster has been this year at Wrigley he has been just a little better. In three home starts, Dempster is 0-1 with a 1.69 ERA and a 0.94 WHIP.

Ryan Dempster is 2-4 in 13 career games, six starts, against the White Sox with a 4.89 ERA and a 1.58 WHIP ... Dempster missed the Sox last season and one his only start against the Southsiders in 2010.

White Sox Career Numbers against Ryan Dempster

Gordon Beckham - 2-for-11 with a walk
John Danks - 0-for-1
Alejandro De Aza - 0-for-1
Adam Dunn - 5-for-17 with a double, two home runs and 10 walks
Paul Konerko - 2-for-12 with a home run
A.J. Pierzynski - 7-for-22 with a home run and two walks
Alexei Ramirez - 6-for-14 with a home run
Alex Rios - 2-for-3

John Danks is having a bad season but he is facing the Cubs tonight and will bring his A-game. After his best outing of the season against Cleveland on May 8 in which he allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and a strikeout in seven innings, the Tigers pounded Danks in his last start.

Detroit scored five runs on nine hits in three innings. Danks' command problems continued as he walked three more and for the first time this season Danks did not strikeout a single batter.

The Cubs must be patient against Danks tonight and not allow him to get comfortable. Danks has dominated the Cubs in his career and loves to stick it to the team that resides on the North Side of Chicago.

John Danks makes his fifth career start against the Cubs tonight. In the first four he is 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA and a 1.08 WHIP ... at Wrigley Field, 1-0 in two starts with a 1.38 ERA and a 0.77 WHIP. Danks did not face the Cubs last season.

Cubs Career Numbers against John Danks

Jeff Baker - 0-for-4
Starlin Castro - 1-for-2
David DeJesus - 8-for-23 with two doubles and two walks
Ryan Dempster - 0-for-2
Reed Johnson - 0-for-3
Alfonso Soriano - 2-for-8 with a double and two walks
Geovany Soto - 2-for-10

Let's Talk Cubs Baseball ...

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From the Wire ... Cubs Acquire Koyie Hill from Reds

2012-05-19T18:35:36Z

According to multiple reports, the Cubs acquired Koyie Hill from the Reds for cash considerations. Hill signed a minor league contract with the Reds after being released by the Cardinals in the off-season.

Koyie Hill is with the team and is in Saturday's starting lineup and is hitting eighth.

Welington Castillo is expected to miss four to seven days after an MRI revealed a mild MCL sprain in his right knee.

With the addition of Koyie Hill, the Cubs now have five catchers on the 40-man roster, which stands at 40 players.

]]> Koyie Hill was playing at the Double-A level for the Reds and was hitting .195/.250/.341/.591 with three doubles and a home run in 19 games.

The Cubs non-tendered Koyie Hill in the off-season and he ended up signing a minor league contract with the Cardinals that included a non-roster invite to big league camp. Hill posted a .194/.268/.276/.545 line in 46 games with the Cubs last season that included three doubles, a triple and two home runs.

Koyie Hill's Page on Baseball-Reference

Stay Tuned ...

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From the Wire ... Chris Volstad Optioned to Iowa, Blake Lalli Called Up

2012-05-19T03:00:17Z

The Cubs made two roster moves and several announcements that will impact the roster moving forward prior to Friday's game.

Chris Volstad was optioned to Triple-A Iowa but a pitcher was not called up to take his place on the active roster. The Cubs selected the contract of Blake Lalli from the Iowa Cubs, added him to the 40-man roster and called him up in the wake of an MRI revealing a torn meniscus in Geovany Soto's left knee. Soto is expected to be out for three to four weeks. Blake Lalli is expected to serve as the Cubs' backup catcher until Steve Clevenger is able to return from the disabled list. Clevenger could return as early as May 25 for the opener in Pittsburgh.

With the addition of Blake Lalli and the retirement of Kerry Wood, the Cubs' 40-man roster currently stands at 39 players.

]]> Reports prior to Friday's game indicated Travis Wood would be recalled to start Tuesday's game in Houston. Geovany Soto was scheduled to have his knee scoped on Friday but has not been placed on the disabled list. Reports suggested the Cubs would wait until they needed the spot for Wood to place Soto on the 15-day disabled list.

The Cubs could use Geovany Soto's injury as a way to recall Scott Maine to get help in the pen. Maine pitched two innings for the I-Cubs on Friday night.

With the bullpen being a reliever short, an additional round of roster moves appears likely prior to Saturday night's game against the White Sox. A report late Friday from Bruce Miles indicated that Randy Wells could be on his way back to Chicago from Iowa.

Stay Tuned ...

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Never a Dull Moment When the Cubs and Sox Get Together - Cubs 2, White Sox 3

2012-05-19T01:27:10Z

Game Thirty-Nine - Cubs 2, White Sox 3
WP - Matt Thornton (2-3, BS 3) LP - Jeff Samardzija (4-2) Save - Addison Reed (4)

It is an understatement to say there were plenty of fireworks at the old ballyard Friday afternoon.

Three of the game's five runs were scored in the first inning. Jeff Samardzija hit Paul Konerko, Phil Humber threw over the head of Bryan LaHair, both benches were warned, the second base umpire made a game changing mistake, Dale Sveum was ejected, Jeff Samardzija tied the game in the seventh with his first hit of the year, Gordon Beckham gave the Sox a one-run lead with a little help from the wind and for the second game in a row, the Cubs had the tying run in scoring position in the ninth but couldn't come up with a clutch hit.

And, Kerry Wood announced his retirement after striking out the only batter he faced swinging then was greeted by his son as he left the field to a standing ovation with the crowd chanting 'Kerry! Kerry!' and 'My Way' playing in the background. Wood made one last curtain call ...

Jeff Samardzija did all he could to end the Cubs slide, both on the mound and at the plate. Samardzija put together quality start but two of the three mistakes he made left the yard and accounted for all of the White Sox runs.

After allowing only two home runs the entire season prior to Friday, Samardzija served up a two-run shot to Paul Konerko in the first and a solo shot to Gordon Beckham that ended up being the game winner. Samardzija's third mistake was when one got away and hit Paul Konerko on the side of the face in the third.

Jeff Samardzija allowed three runs on six hits (two home runs), with two walks and eight strikeouts in 7 1/3 innings. Samardzija threw 113 pitches, 78 for strikes. At the plate, Samardzija was 1-for-3 and his first hit of the year drove in the tying run in the seventh.

The Cubs offense was pretty much non-existent. The Cubs pounded out eight hits and had plenty of chances but could not deliver a run scoring hit (2-for-9 with RISP, seven left on base).

Starlin Castro (1-for-3 with a RBI and a sac fly) drove in the Cubs' first run with a sac fly in the first inning but twice the Cubs had a runner on third with less than two outs Friday and failed to put the ball in play.

David DeJesus (2-for-4 with a double and a run scored) had another good day and was involved in the game changing play at second base in the fifth that led to Dale Sveum's second ejection of the season. DeJesus hit a ball into left center and slid in safe at second but Gordon Beckham's momentum knocked him off the bag and Eric Cooper changed his call from safe to out.

The Cubs were given a chance to tie the game in the ninth when Alex Rios lost a ball in the sun that allowed Darwin Barney (2-for-4 with two doubles) to reach on what was ruled a double. Reed Johnson struck out swinging and for the second day in a row Johnson made the final out of the game with the tying run in scoring position.

The rumors started Thursday night that a big announcement was expected from the Cubs within 24 hours. The news leaked Friday morning that Kerry Wood would announce his retirement from Major League Baseball following one more appearance. Kerry Wood struck out Dayan Viciedo then made the official announcement he was retiring from the game after the 3-2 loss. Wood had a magical moment for one final time on a baseball field ... and one that will not soon be forgotten.

With Friday's loss, the Cubs dropped to a season-low nine games under .500 with a 15-24 record ...

]]> Jeff Samardzija struck out Alejandro De Aza to start the game. Gordon Beckham then reached on an infield single to the hole at short off Ian Stewart's glove. After Adam Dunn flied out to right, Paul Konerko gave the Sox a two-run lead. Konerko launched a 1-0 pitch well over the wall in left. Samardzija struck out Alex Rios to end the inning.

David DeJesus led off the bottom of the first with a double off the wall in left. Friday was the fifth time in seven games that DeJesus led off a game with a hit, four of those have been doubles. Tony Campana reached on a bunt single. DeJesus advanced to third.

With Starlin Castro at the plate, Campana stole second. Starlin Castro cranked a 0-1 pitch to deep right center. DeJesus tagged and scored, 2-1 White Sox. With Campana at third, Bryan LaHair struck out swinging and Alfonso Soriano flied out to right to end the inning.

A.J. Pierzynski led off the second with a bloop single to left. Samardzija fell behind Alexei Ramirez but eventually got him to ground out to third. Pierzynski was running and advanced to second on the play. Samardzija then walked Eduardo Escobar. Phil Humber bunted back to Samardzija, Pierzynski was forced at third for the second out. De Aza ended the inning by grounding out to short on Samardzija's 34th pitch of the game (22 strikes).

The Cub did nothing in the second.

Samardzija retired Beckham and Dunn on fly outs to left to start the third ... but a 2-2 pitch got away from him and he hit Paul Konerko on the side of the face. Konerko hit the ground. Konerko was able to leave the field under his own power and was replaced by Dayan Viciedo at first (Viciedo ended up playing left field with Dunn moving to first base). Rios grounded out to second to end the inning. Samardzija threw 47 pitches, 31 for strikes, in the first three innings.

Adam Dunn took over at first in the bottom of the third.

Jeff Samardzija reached on a throwing error by Ramirez to start the Cubs' third. DeJesus flied out to deep left then Campana hit a grounder to Ramirez at short. Campana beat the throw to first. Castro grounded out to third to end the inning.

Samardzija retired the Sox in order in the fourth.

Bryan LaHair stood in to start the fourth and the first pitch from Phil Humber sailed over his head. Both benches were warned and LaHair ended up walking. After Soriano popped out to second, Ian Stewart walked. Welington Castillo struck out swinging and Darwin Barney grounded out to second to end the inning.

Samardzija sat down the Sox in order in the fifth ... and after five he had thrown 64 pitches, 45 for strikes.

Jeff Samardzija grounded out to third to start the Cubs' fifth. David DeJesus then hit what appeared to be a double to left center. DeJesus hustled out of the box and slid in safe ... but Beckham tackled him while holding the tag. DeJesus was called out. Dale Sveum argued and was tossed from the game. Instead of the tying run being in scoring position, it was two down and Campana popped out to left to end the inning.

Adam Dunn struck out swinging to start the sixth. Viciedo and Rios reached on back-to-back singles. A.J. Pierzynski hit a 3-2 pitch to Castro for a 6-3 inning ending double play ... 78 pitches for Samardzija after six, 56 for strikes.

The Cubs did nothing in the bottom of the sixth ... and Samardzija retired the Sox in order again in the seventh (93 pitches, 66 for strikes).

Ian Stewart led off the bottom of the seventh with a single to center off Phil Humber. Castillo popped out to shallow left. Darwin Barney followed and pulled a double into the left field corner. Pat Listach waived Stewart around but at the last minute put up the stop sign. Stewart just made it back to third safely.

Robin Ventura made the slow walk and went to his pen for Matt Thornton.

Jamie Quirk left Samardzija in and let him hit with runners on second and third with one out and the Cubs down by a run ... Cubs' pitchers (currently on the active roster) were 1-for-67 on the season.

Jeff Samardzija hit the first pitch from Thornton into left. Stewart scored and tied the game at two. Barney held at third with one out. David DeJesus popped out to short on the first pitch and Tony Campana popped up a bunt that Pierzynski caught in foul ground to end the inning.

Jeff Samardzija started the eighth by striking out De Aza swinging but Gordon Beckham deposited a 0-2 pitch into the first row of the bleachers in left ... and just like that the Cubs were down 3-2. Samardzija walked Dunn and Jamie Quirk made his way from the dugout.

Kerry Wood replaced Samardzija and jumped ahead of Dayan Viciedo with a 96 MPH fastball. Viciedo fouled off a 76 MPH curveball then chased a 77 MPH curveball in the dirt. Wood struck out Viciedo swinging on three pitches. Quirk made his way back to the mound. Wood hugged his teammates, acknowledged Adam Dunn then left to the crowd chanting 'Kerry! Kerry!'. Wood's son greeted him and created a special moment to end his career.

James Russell took over for Wood and retired Rios on a fly out to left to end the eighth.

Starlin Castro led off the eighth with a single to left off Nate Jones. After Bryan LaHair struck out swinging, Alfonso Soriano grounded into a 6-4-3 double play to end the inning.

Blake Lalli replaced Welington Castillo behind the plate in the top of the ninth. Russell issued a one out walk to Alexei Ramirez but that was all ... and the Cubs went to the bottom of the ninth trailing 3-2.

Addison Reed made quick work of Stewart and Blake Lalli to start the ninth. Darwin Barney then hit a routine fly to right that Rios lost in the sun. Barney ended up at second with two outs. Reed Johnson struck out swinging on the fourth pitch of the at bat to end the game.

The Sox took game one of round one ...

Box Score from Yahoo Sports

Ryan Dempster is scheduled to face John Danks on Saturday night.

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Talkin' Cubs Live - Cubs vs. White Sox - 05/18/12

2012-05-18T16:10:00Z

Game Thirty-Nine: Cubs (15-23) vs. White Sox (18-21)
Game Time - 1:20pm CDT
Coverage - TV: WGN TV (Cubs) - Radio: 720 WGN, XM Radio Channel 183/914
Location - Wrigley Field, Chicago

Jeff Samardzija (4-1, 2.89/1.17) vs. Philip Humber (1-2, 5.77/1.40)

Even with all of the changes on both sides of Chicago, the next three days should be anything but boring in the first round of the City Series. The Cubs are just 4-8 over the last two years against the Southsiders (2-4 in both 2010 and 2011) but have only been outscored by a total of 10 runs over the last 12 games against the Sox. The Cubs are 39-45 (22-20 at Wrigley Field) against the White Sox.

Dale Sveum will send Jeff Samardzija, Ryan Dempster and Paul Maholm to the hill and Robin Ventura will counter with Philip Humber, John Danks and Jake Peavy. Adam Dunn is expected to play left field for the Sox throughout the weekend so he can hit at one of his favorite parks.

Jeff Samardzija fired the first shot off the weekend prior to Thursday's game against the Phillies. Samardzija now has the tough task of putting his money where his mouth is.

Geovany Soto was scratched from Thursday's game because of inflammation in his left knee. Soto had an MRI scheduled for Friday morning and is not expected to be in the starting lineup. Soto will be available but look for Welington Castillo to be behind the plate. Steve Clevenger was expected to start a minor league rehab assignment on Monday and could be activated from the DL a week from today (May 25).

Updated 10:23am CDT - Geovany Soto has a small tear in his meniscus and will be placed on the DL following Friday's game. Darwin Barney is the Cubs' emergency catcher for Friday. Soto will have his knee scoped and is expected to miss three to four weeks. Blake Lalli is expected to be added to the 40-man roster and called up to serve as Welington Castillo's backup until Steve Clevenger returns.

The Cubs begin their Interleague schedule this afternoon after going 5-10 versus the Junior Circuit a year ago. Along with the six games against the Sox, the Cubs have three against the Twins (June 8 - June 10), three against Prince Fielder and the Tigers (June 12 - June 14) and three at Wrigley against the Red Sox (June 15 - June 17). Sveum's Cubs play only six games in AL parks (Minnesota, White Sox)

The Cubs are in need of a win. After dropping three in a row, Sveum's Cubs enter play this afternoon a season-high eight games under .500.

Today it all starts with Jeff Samardzija in what could be Kerry Wood's last game.

]]> Jeff Samardzija is coming off another solid outing. It was short outing due to an elevated pitch count and a gamble by Dale Sveum that momentarily paid off. Samardzija was lifted for Reed Johnson to start the top of the sixth. Johnson hit a solo shot and broke up the 1-1 tie but the Cubs' pen could not hold the lead. Samardzija gave up a run on three hits with two walks and six strikeouts in five innings.

Like Matt Garza, Jeff Samardzija has been very good at Wrigley this season. In three home starts, Samardzija has allowed four runs, two earned, on 13 hits with 24 strikeouts and four walks in 22 1/3 innings. Samardzija is 2-0 with a 0.81 ERA and a 0.76 WHIP.

After starting the season 2-1 in four starts with a 4.13 ERA and a 1.17 WHIP, Samardzija is 2-0 in his last three starts with a 1.37 ERA and a 0.86 WHIP.

Jeff Samardzija will make the first start of his career against the White Sox this afternoon. Samardzija is 0-1 in three career appearances against the Sox with a 2.45 ERA and a 0.55 WHIP.

White Sox Career Numbers against Jeff Samardzija

Adam Dunn - 1-for-2 with a home run
Paul Konerko - 0-for-2
Brent Morel - 0-for-1
A.J. Pierzynski - 1-for-1
Alexei Ramirez - 1-for-2 with a double
Alex Rios - 0-for-2

After three miserable starts following his perfect game on April 21 in Seattle, Phil Humber is coming off a solid outing against the Royals. Humber received a no decision after allowing one run on four hits with three walks and seven strikeouts in 6 2/3 innings. The Sox ended up losing pretty badly to the Royals (9-1) but only the single tally was on Humber's record.

Phil Humber is 1-1 in two starts outside of the Cell this season with a 6.35 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP.

Today will be the second time that Phil Humber has started a game against the Cubs. Humber tossed a seven-inning gem last July at Wrigley. The Sox won the game 1-0 and Humber allowed only five hits and three walks while striking out four ... Matt Garza took the loss after allowing the one run on four hits with two walks and seven strikeouts in nine innings.

Cubs Career Numbers against Philip Humber

Darwin Barney - 2-for-2 with a walk
Starlin Castro - 1-for-3
David DeJesus - 2-for-5 with a triple
Alfonso Soriano - 0-for-3
Geovany Soto - 0-for-2 with a walk

Let's Talk Cubs Baseball ...

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From the Wire ... Kerry Wood to Announce Retirement

2012-05-18T14:00:42Z

According to a report from Bruce Levine, Kerry Wood will announce his retirement from baseball on Friday morning.

Reports are still coming in. Will update but it appears Kerry Wood will call it a career.

Updated 9:16am CDT - Other outlets are confirming Levine's report that Kerry Wood will retire. Levine is not sure if Wood will suit up for this afternoon's game then make the announcement after the game.

Updated 9:56am CDT - According to the Tribune, Kerry Wood would like to pitch in one more game. Wood will be active Friday afternoon and will be available out of the pen. Wood is expected to retire following the end of the next game he pitches in.

]]> Stay Tuned ...

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Rambling as the World Descends on Chicago

2012-05-18T06:00:00Z

The White Sox arrive at 1060 W. Addison for the beginning of the Crosstown Classic, also known as the BP Cup today.

(Please note this makes me want to buy BP gas less than I would have prior to this sponsorship.)

And the world arrives in Chicago as the NATO summit officially gets underway this weekend. I am not sure what is going to be more of a mess, Clark Street on Saturday at 7:00 pm or the Loop on Saturday at 7 pm. Though I can tell you what will be more fun.

With that said, let's pray that all protests are peaceful, no violence occurs and the Cubs sweep the Pale Hose. So let's go rambling ...

]]>

The 'Fonz unleashes his pythons and goes yard TWICE in the SAME week. The Cubs should be paying this guy triple-digit millions. Oh, wait ...

One of the great treats of being a sports fan is having your favorite players and watching them excel and do magical things in the field of play.

One of the toughest parts of being a sports fan is seeing the same favorites have the game pass them by.

I really hope that is not the case for good ole #34, but it doesn't look good.

By the way, as I type this, I have one thought swirling around in my head ... I could get a hit off of Chris Volstad.

Clearly, I know I can't, but when I watch him pitch, I get so frustrated and that thought enters my head.

In reference to Ryan Howard's numbers against Volstad, Len said, "Howard is 13-for-26 with 8 home runs.

"I'll tell you what, Len, anyone that comes out of that first base dugout has good numbers against Volstad." - Brenly

That was a solid exchange.

At least Volstad kept the bullpen fresh for the White Sox series ...

When did they start letting teams send at least 8 guys to the plate per inning? Oh, even Volstad has to induce three outs an inning? I didn't know that.

You know who won't like me if he reads this ...

And with that, I am on to a different topic.

James Russell is still sporting impressive numbers with a 1.15 ERA. A little iffy as of late, but still no room to complain, especially when compared to the rest of the Pen.

Travis Wood is batting 1.000, you guys.

Just trying to be positive, but in all seriousness, DeJesus is really turning it on lately. That pinch-hit grand slam and subsequent double last Friday night were awesome.

Campana is over 70 AB's into it and still hitting well above .300. Not too shabby.

Bryan LaHair is not bad at baseball. In fact, he is good.

I will say it ... I like Ian Stewart.

I also think Kim DeJesus is pretty decent.

Everyone has the right to his or her opinion. I respect them all. However, I have no problem with the Cubs saving a year of eligibility with Rizzo. His addition to the team right now will not give the Cubs a chance to make the playoffs.

Hoyer feels that he rushed Rizzo last year and is not going to make the same mistake again. The Cubs are not being cheap. This is a standard practice across the league. It would be stupid and bad business to bring him up now.

Again, I know it's only an opinion, but my feelings are pretty strong about this. If you disagree, let me know. If you agree, that's cool as well.

I wish you all a fantastic weekend. As the NATO crowd leaves town, and the dust settles after a Cubs sweep, Memorial Day is just ahead, and the summer beckons.

GO CUBS!

Enjoy it all this weekend, or at least a few things, and until next time ...

Stay Classy Cubs Fans!!