A day after Chicago's "defining moment" game, the Cubs lost miserably to the Cardinals. Z didn't have it, giving up five runs in the first. Adam Kennedy capped that inning with a grand slam on his way to a four for five day. Three more in the second ended Zambrano's day early. He wasn't the only one. In the top of the fifth Lou Piniella made six position player substitutions.
In a season where we only need two wins to clinch (or two Brewers losses) this is an easy one to let go of. Like Bob Brenly said, we need to look for a silver lining in a game like this. He was specifically talking about getting some work for Angel Guzman to see what he has and how he can contribute.
Other guys who got a chance and did well today...Mike Fontenot (doesn't he always), Ronny Cedeno (two runs), Daryle Ward (two hits, a run and an rbi), Micah Hoffpauir (a hit and a run) and Casey McGehee (two rbi). More evidence that this team has a variety of guys who can get it done on any given day.
Zambrano was probably emotionally not all there after returning Thursday from Venezuela following the death of his grandmother. His defining moment for the day was trying to leave the field as Lou came to take him out. He was made to return to the mound and give Lou the ball. He later apologized.
Milwaukee lost to Cincinnati later in the day, meaning the next Cubs win is the NL Central clincher. All eyes on Chicago today at 3:55 ET as they look to take the next step in an historic season.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
9/19/08 vs Cardinals; L 6-12; (92-60)
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There had to be some emotional letdown after the no-hitter and the big win to dispatch Milwaukee. But more importantly, I wonder if Z's head and heart were really in it today. He had to fly back to Venezuela to bury his grandmother. Losing a close loved one is tough enought. Add onto that the travel to Venezuela. I don't think I'd be that sharp when I got back to work.
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