Battle of I-94: May 5th-May 7th

Oh hey, look, a new post! I'm not sure why I haven't posted these posts more, considering all of this is already written out, I just need to edit everything. Sheer laziness? Uneasiness on whether this is interesting to anyone but me? Who knows. Anyway, I hope to be back on a schedule of posting. I thought about opening a facebook "fan page" but I didn't want to be the only member... Anyway... Back to the 2003 Cubs

Four seems to be as long of a winning streak we can muster, however, as Ben Sheets shuts us down and out for a 5-0 victory. There didn't seem much the hitters could do against Sheets as he scatters 6 hits over 9 innings, while striking out 10, including Sammy Sosa with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 8th. Carlos Zambrano didn't have one of his greater games, giving up 4 earned runs in 6 and a third innings, giving up 10 hits. Hopefully our hitters can rebound and we can take the next 2 for a series win. 

The second game of the series sees us out-hit by the Brewers 6-3, but our hits end up being more timely as we squeak out a 2-1 win. We score both runs in the 2nd, with Kerry Wood contributing a 2-out single to break a 1-1 tie. And Wood has a much better start this time around, only walking 3 while striking out 9 to earn his 3rd victory. Joe Borowski works a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his 7th save and we head into the rubber match of the series needing a win to keep us at least tied for the top spot in the Central. With Matt Clement vs Bronson Arroyo, I certainly like our chances. 

Of course, saying that more than likely means that Arroyo will come out and throw a no-hitter against us. And almost does, giving up only 2 hits in a 7-2 victory for the Brew Crew. The two runs are a bit deceiving as they were scored after Arroyo was noticeably tired, but his manager wanted to keep him out there to pick up the illustrious one-hitter that every pitcher dreams of. With the loss, we fall back to 2nd place, a game out with an off day to lick our wounds before St. Louis comes to town to finish this 9 game  homestand. 

The off day was good for us, as it allows our over worked bullpen a much needed day off and an extra day for all of our starters. Shawn Estes, Mark Prior and Carlos Zambrano will close out the homestand, taking on Matt Morris, Matt Morris, Jason Johnson and Brett Tomko from the Cardinals.