4/4/08 vs. Houston; L 3-4; (1-3)

Two out walk followed by a home run....Mark DeRosa starts an inning with an error...later that inning Alfonso misplays a double into an RBI triple. When you lose a game by only one run, those little things can kill you.



The game wasn't as good as yesterday, but it was no where near as bad as Wednesday. Our two through seven hitters all reached base on a hit. Aramis showed some nice effort on a backhand play. Mark DeRosa hit a solo homer, so now the whole middle of the lineup has gone yard this year. Kosuke had another solid game going 2-4 today.



I like the effort today and I think it shows the team will come together. I also liked the first at bat for Reed Johnson. He hit a solid shot off the left field wall in his first trip to the plate as a Cub. I like the aggressiveness coming off the bench. Yesterday Fontenot came off the bench in a pinch hitting role and produced. We already know Daryle Ward can produce in that role too. Must be ice to have so many options for Lou to pick from.

Speaking of options, did you see the result of the double switch Lou pulled? At the end of the 8th, Ramirez made the last out. Michael Wuertz was brought in to pitch and batted in that spot. Daryle Ward came into left field hitting in the ninth spot. Alfonso moved to second base and DeRosa moved over to third. Flexibility and playing where the team needs you. Keys to a winner.

Tomorrow we face Oswalt. The boys better be ready to play!