Bullpen Brian called it. He felt Alfonso Soriano was ready for a breakout. Boy did he breakout! Four hits on the day, including another extra base hit. Looking back, I have to agree with SHOW, who commented on my Soriano rant that with the rest of the team hitting so well, we could wait for Soriano to get hot. Well, he got hot just when we needed him didn't he. Coming off of a stretch where we scored more than three runs only once in eight games, now was the time for him to get hot.
Dempster threw well....but didn't get the win.....AGAIN! I said it before and I'll say it again, this guy's record doesn't reflect how well he has pitched for us. He went six innings giving up only two earned runs and struck out seven. The two runs came in the sixth when he was getting to the point of needing pulled. He ended up with 118 pitches on the game. Five scoreless is solid against this team.
We aren't talking about an offensively challenged team here. The D'backs lead the NL in slugging percentage, total bases, and OPS. They are second in runs scored to the Cubs.
Our bullpen was off the hook again! Eyre, Howry.....yes Eyre and Howry... along with Carlos Marmol all posted shutout innings. Collectively they only allowed one hit and one free pass in three innings.
Sunday...Mothers' Day...Big Z takes the mound against the Big Unit with a chance to sweep the series. I really wish it was Fathers' Day so I could hang in front of the TV.
Home Sweet Home, Part Deux:
- Kosuke hit his second home run of the season yesterday. What happened to this guy on the road? I mean, Wrigley Field isn't exactly home for a guy who grew up in Japan!
- The Cubs are now 13-6 at home. They are 8-9 on the road.
- At home this team is slugging .499 while on the road that drops to .368. Team batting average is similar dropping from .314 at home to .246.
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