Rusch Recovers, Cubs Squash Pirates
Glendon!!
The Cubs bounced back from tough 2-1 loss to take the series from Pittsburgh with a 7-3 victory this afternoon. Rusch finally had a decent outing going six innings allowing three runs and got his first win of the season. All three of the Bucs' runs came on a Craig Wilson dinger. This afternoon's performance will no doubt extend Rusch's stay in the rotation. I'd love to see him do well but honestly, I don't see it happening. Remember, this win came over the Pirates, easily the worst team in the NL Central. We'll see how he fares against a decent opponent, which, should be St. Louis later next week.
Ramirez looks like he's found his stride (without pulling an ass muscle, will these jokes get old soon?) going 2-3 today with a walk. Ram-rod drove in three of our seven runs, two with a homer in the sixth.
We had ten hits today coming from seven different Cubs. A nice combination of small and long ball today. Pierre was consistenly on base which will hopefully shut up some of the haters. Murton was quiet at the plate going 0-4.
Dempster doesn't get mentioned much here or any other Cubs blog but he's doing a hell of a job. This game was Dempster's 30th straight appearance without allowing an earned run. That's 29.1 scoreless innings. Impressive to say the least.
Next up is a three game series with LA. Hopefully, I'll make at least one of these games since I'm only about 60 miles from Dodger stadium. I guess the big decision is who I want to see pitch: Mad Dog, Z or the 'mini-unit'.
Cub of the Week update coming later today and Happy Easter.
posted by DS @ 3:58 PM
8 comments
8 Comments:
Not getting blogged about, as a relief pitcher, is a good thing. It means you haven't messed up. But yes, Dempster has been great. Now SHHHHHH!!!!
I was glad to see Pierre hitting the ball well today. Very good sign. The line drives to left and center were especially nice to see.
Looks like T-Walk took the lead in the Cub of the Week challenge. Anyone disagree? I'm open to other ideas. After all, he did sit out three games this week.
Rusch did well today. Check out the pitch to strike ratio. Awesome. Maybe too many strikes, actually. Yes, the Pirates are the worst team in the NL Central, but mostly because of their pitching, not their offense. Their offense has been hot of late, and Rusch still did well. You shouldn't pick apart someone's performance merely based on who they face. Of course, I certainly concede that Rusch beating the Cards would excite me more than Rusch beating the Pirates.
Good game today.
Cubs win!
If I were in yer shoes, I would go for the Mad Dog. Z will give up 5 ER in 5 IP, walk a bunch of guys and probably punch a popcorn vendor in the face, and the mini unit needs to become the full unit first.
Oh, and Lazlo --
just curious...
"You shouldn't pick apart someone's performance merely based on who they face."
How should we do it, then?
"Z will give up 5 ER in 5 IP, walk a bunch of guys and probably punch a popcorn vendor in the face"
You wouldn't pay to see that? I don't think I'm gonna make the game tonight...doubt I'll be able to sneak out of work early.
Obviously, JT, we need to be basing our comments on attitude, heart and intentions. Who cares about the opponent?
I saw Z pitch against the Phillies last year. He didn't give up as many runs as JT predicted, but he did punch THREE popcorn vendors and the Philly Phanatic in the face. It was well worth the money spent on the ticket. If that helps your decision at all.
JT-
You analyze a performance based on the quality of the performance - getting outs, getting runs, and maybe execution. A good pitch against the Pirates should be a good pitch against the Cardinals should be a good pitch against the Yankees. Last year it didn't matter that we beat the Cardinals (a very good team) more than we lost to them, because it's overall record that matters, not if you beat the good teams or lost to the bad teams. A win is a win, a strike is a strike, a run is run.
And Z will come back around. He ought to do well in Dodger stadium, since the ball supposedly doesn't travel well at night. We'll see how things turn out. Hopefull Maddux can continue his success this season and Marshall can build on what he's done (Wuertz will not be coming in relief, so that ought to save him an earned run or two).
Isn't there a law against west coast games being played at night? I need to take a nap to stay up for this one.
Quit yer cryin' old man...I was listening to Sunday's game in the AM. Doesn't seem right to have pro sports on in the morning...guess I'll have to get used to it out here on the left coast.
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