Game One Hundred Fifty-Two – Cubs 1 Phillies 4
After scoring 22 runs in the previous 2 games the Cubs could only manage a single run on Tuesday night in Philadelphia, a solo shot in the 6th by Matt Murton. Wade Miller threw the ball well but was aided by the very aggressive Phillies offense. Miller struck out 8 but walked 4, gave up 2 runs, 1 earned, in 4 2/3 innings. Miller loaded the bases twice while he was on the mound but the 25th error on the season by Ronny Cedeno led to 2 additional runs in the Phillies 3-run 5th and was ultimately the difference in the ballgame.
The Cubs could not string together any offense against Jamie Moyer; he held the Cubs to just 6 hits in 7 innings of work and like so many other games this season the Cubs were not patient enough at the plate to record a single walk, while the Phillies walked 7 times. Wade Miller was very effective on the night and at times he showed very good command. Miller hit 87 MPH consistently on the radar gun and at times he registered in the low 90’s. Miller struck out 5 in a row at one point in the game, the final out in the 2nd, struck out the side in the 3rd and the first out in the 4th. Miller threw 92 pitches on the night, only 48 for strikes. Although the Phillies walked 4 times against Miller if they would have been a little more patient they could have had more. Miller’s only mistake came with 2 outs in the 5th. Ryan Howard singled to left and David Dellucci doubled him home for the first run of the game. Dusty went to the pen for Roberto Novoa. Novoa walked Pat Burrell and he induced what appeared to be an inning ending ground out off the bat of Chris Coste. Cedeno bobbled the ball and loaded the bases. Abraham Nunez took the first offering from Novoa and blooped it into right to score Dellucci and Burrell. David Aardsma gave up a solo home run to Jimmy Rollins to complete the scoring for the Phillies.
As good as the bullpen was on Monday they were equally as shaky on Tuesday. The Cubs defense would be hazardous to any pitcher on the mound (see Greg Maddux) but there is no excuse for walking 7 on the night….but we all know Dusty will find one. Wade Miller’s start was very good to see, he just needs to work on closing out innings….but so does the entire staff.
After a career night on Monday, Aramis Ramirez was held hitless. Ronny Cedeno extended his hit streak to 12 games and Matt Murton continues to impress. Murton added a single to go along with the homer (13) and after Tuesday his average stands at .299. Wade Miller singled in the 4th for his first hit of the season.
The Cubs deficiencies resurfaced on Tuesday after 3 very impressive games. Only 10 left….
Les Walrond is scheduled to go in the series finale on Wednesday night against Brett Myers….a third straight series win would not be bad, would it?