Rubber Match

July 29th, 2007

Cubs; WGN 9; 1:00 PM ET; vs. Reds; Zambrano, 13-7, 3.69 ERA vs. Belisle, 5-7, 5.28 ERA

Today the Cubs take on the Reds in game 3 of this series in Cincinnati. It is a pivotal game for the Cubs as they can gain ground on the Brewers who are at risk of losing 3 of 4 to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Carlos Zambrano, who was promised an NL Cy Yound by Jim Hendry by the end of THIS season may be well on the road to get it. If he wins today he will lead the MLB in wins, and also his ERA isn't too shabby.

The Cincinnati Reds took game 1 of this series, only to have Aaron Harang leave the game after 1 inning yesterday and take the loss, his 3rd of the season, and today face a rubber match against the red-hot Cubs, who I think have a good chance, as Matt Belisle, (5-7, 5.28) takes on Carlos Zambrano (13-7, 3.69).

Thanks,

Ryan

Losing is News for the Cubs

July 28th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; 7:10 PM; vs. Reds; Marshall, 4-4, 3.25 ERA vs. Harang, 10-2, 3.45 ERA

The Cubs lost to the Reds 5-4 yesterday after a 2-run 9th inning comeback that tied them at 4. Bobby Howry then came on to pitch and with 1 out in the 9th, he gave up the walk-off run. That's dissapointing because we played a good defensive, offensive, and pitching game. Hill surrendered 2 over 5 throwing 104 pitches, 63 for strikes.

If we lose another game, expect it to be this one. Harang is a pitcher who wasn't great in Oakland and really came into his own in Cincinnati, where he has a chance to sign as a premier pitcher. He can help the Reds return to glory if the Reds can stabilize their rotation with some other quality pitchers.

No matter what happens, today's game promises to be a good one, so enjoy the game.

Thanks,

Ryan

Hill vs. Arroyo

July 27th, 2007

Cubs; CSN Chicago; vs. Reds; Hill, 6-6, 3.58 ERA vs. Arroyo, 4-11, 4.58 ERA

Well, yesterday the Cubs finished off the series against the Cardinals by losing 11-1. The good news is that they won the series, 2-1. Marquis had an awful start, and he's lucky that his ERA remains 4.20.

Today the Cubs start the 3 game series against the Reds, with Marshall pitching tomorrow, then Zambrano. Today though, Rich Hill faces off against Bronson Arroyo, who's ERA is 4.58, exactly 1 run higher than Hill's. Let's hope that this stat comes to life in today's game.

Thanks,

Ryan