They say pitching wins championships. The Cubs’ starting rotation may be the exception. No matter how well they pitch, they never receive any run support from their offense. This rotation has pitched so well this season, that the “ace” was sent to the bullpen to make room for another All-Star in Ted Lilly.
Tom Gorzelanny was on the bump for the Cubs. Gorzelanny, making his 1st start since being hit with a comeback liner, pitched 5.2 innings allowing 4(2 earned) runs. The lefty struck out 7 while walking only 2.
The struggling offense didn’t get a break having to face the Mets ace Johan Santana. Santana utilized his changeup well, keeping Chicago off balance all night. Santana allowed only 1 unearned run in his 6.1 innings pitched.
The Cubs got on the board in the 7th, when pinch hitter Kosuke Fukudome knocked in Geovany Soto to cut the lead to 4-1. Chicago then made some noise in the 8th loading the bases with only 1 out. The Mets decided to bring in their closer to record the last 5 outs of the game. Mike Fontenot hit a sac fly to cut the deficit to 4-2. Francisco Rodriguez then struck out pinch hitter Tyler Colvin to end the Cubs’ rally.
New York added an insurance run in the bottom of the 8th. That was all they needed as they took the series 3-1 against Chicago.
Final Score: Cubs (6-10) 2 – Mets: (7-9) 5
WP: Johan Santana (2-1)
LP: Tom Gorzelanny (0-2)
S: Francisco Rodriguez (1)
The Cubs leave New York with only 1 win in 4 games. They will look to rebound on the road in Milwaukee for a 3 game set with the Brewers. Ryan Dempster will start the opener for the North-Siders. Ted Lilly will make his season debut on Saturday, after being activated from the disabled list. Randy Wells will close out the series vs. the Brew Crew.
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