8/1/08 vs Pirates; L 0-3; (65-45)

The Cubs returned to Wrigley Field fresh off a sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers. Other than the last minute big name trades, they were the talk of the major leagues; A team that was 8 games under .500 on the road, taking four from their division rival. Now they are home for nine straight games. Home, where they are twenty five games above .500, facing a team that is seven games under .500 on the season.

You can guess what happens. A goose egg! The Cubs were shutout by the recently acquired Jeff Karstens, who had yet to pitch in the bigs this year. They only managed five hits, one of them by Jason Marquis. Aramis Ramirez did manage a couple knocks for the Cubbies today.

Marquis surrendered three runs. Not bad for him. Most days with the Cub offense, that will get you the win. Tough spot today for him. The law of baseball averages caught up to the Cubs. They absolutely smoked Milwaukee for four games, scoring 31 runs in four days. They were due to come up short.

So the Cubs go to sleep in their own bed, knowing they'll still take two from the Pirates before they let them out of town.