Game Eleven: Cubs 11 Brewers 5
Greg Maddux got all the help he needed early and often. Powered by multiple HR’s, the Cubs got an easy victory over the Milwaukee Brewers in front of a large crowd at Maryvale Park in Phoenix. Combination ball was given a rest and the big bats came out to play. Even though we all would prefer moving the runners with base hits and smart baseball, it is good to know that the Cubs still have some pop in their bats.
The Cubs got 14 hits easily beating the Brewers 11-5. Aramis got the day started early with a two run HR making the score 3-0 in the middle of the 1st. The Cubbies got blanked in the second but put up a 4 spot in the 3rd on a three run blast by Restovich putting the game out of reach early. Mabry, Murton and Hariston (more on him later) all had a multiple hit game.
Maddux threw 3 innings allowing two hits and one earned run. He also had four strikeouts and did not walk a batter. That’s the Mad Dog of old, got us a little worried walking the bases loaded in his last Cactus League start. Angel Guzman came in for two innings and got roughed up a bit allowing three hits and three earned runs. Howry continued his magic from last season and worked one perfect inning. This guy is no Remlinger or Hawkins, we are going to applaud Hendry’s move getting Howry early.
(Just walked away from my computer to watch D-Lee tie the WBC game against the Japanese, 3-3. He is starting right where he left off. Triple Crown???)
The Cub Killer Bill Hall, (Pat Hughes was amazed that 50% of his name consists of L’s,) was one of the few bright spots for the Brewers smacking two hits. One of those hits was a 3 run homer in the fifth making the score 10-4.
Let’s hope this starts a trend as the pesky Brewers got us by two games last year. At the Cubs Convention Dusty said multiple times how much the Brewers bothered him and the organization. Early message received.
As for Hariston, he is really making a statement batting .441 thus far. I am a big Todd Walker fan, but can Hariston give us the bat, defense and speed at the top of the lineup? At the same time I think Walker is a great club house guy and I would love him coming off the bench if Hariston gets the nod.
Here is the box score from Cubs.com
Next up for the Cubs are the Colorado Rockies (ss), Monday at Hohokam, 2:05 start.
Glendon Rusch vs. Jason Jennings
Until next time…..but always GO CUBBIES!!