8/16/08 @ Florida; L 1-2; (75-48)

Four guys who normally don't see their names in the starting lineup all did on Saturday. Sean Marshall was called upon for a spot start. Henry Blanco gave Geovony Soto a day off and Darlye Ward did the same for Derek Lee. Aramis was again held out of the lineup, we'll call Mike Fontenont the replacement. (DeRosa actually played third, with Fontenot at second base)

So Chicago looked to extend their winning streak with less than 60% of their normal lineup. It didn't happen, but it was close. Chicago played a 2-1 loss with multiple chances at pulling the game out.

The four "non-starters" all did their part. Sean Marshall had a career high eight strikeouts as he threw five solid innings. His battery mate, Blanco, hit a solo home run to tie the game in the fourth. Mike Fontenot singled and walked. He was inches from squeaking through a bases loaded grounder that would have scored two runs. Daryle Ward did go without a hit, but reached base once on a walk.

Chicago actually outhit the Marlins eight to four, but Florida's hits were just more timely. Hanley Ramirez led off the game with a home run to give Florida the early lead. In the fifth, Cody Ross had a two out single to score the eventual game winning run, who had reached on a walk.

Soriano was the on base leader with two hits and a base on balls. Theriot reached twice on walks, and both Fontenot and Fukudome had a base hit and a free pass. The clutch hitting just wasn't there tonight. Reed Johnson might be the exception. With two outs in the seventh, and runners at first and second, he singled. Why Mike Quade didn't try to score Soriano baffles me.

Mike Fontenot had another chance besides his bases loaded at bat. He ended the game with runners on first and second. He took a called third strike that sure looked to be well outside.

Regardless, the Cubs will persevere. They got some rest for their starters and will return to action today with Dempster on the mound. I am confident they will leave Florida with another win and head home for an off day. They will finish the month with 9 of 12 at home and 9 of 12 against sub .500 teams. My prediction, they will finish August 30 games above .500.