The Curse of Wrigley Field

It’s certainly not the end of the season, but don’t you wish Mark Grace was embracing you right now after a difficult 2-0 loss to Washington? I know Ted Lilly could use it. The guy struggles to start the season, finally puts together two consecutive quality starts and has a boring 1-1 record to show for it.

His two earned runs over six innings, oh and seven strikeouts, weren’t good enough for a team that is currently second in the National League in batting average and RBI.

Ryan Theriot (0-for-3) left four runners on base and Ronny Cedeno (1-for-4) left three of his own out to dry to point out the only notable statistics from the offensive side of the plate. At least Derreck Lee earned two walks to cover up his 0-for-2 day.

Cedeno was quick to take back his more-than-optimistic comments following Chicago’s impressive 7-1 win over the Mets April 21. Since then the Cubs have gone 3-3. Fortunately, things haven’t changed much. Chicago is still just a half a game up on the Cardinals in the division and the starting pitching continues to be solid.

In fact, since Ted Lilly gave up five earned runs to the Reds on April 18, no starter has given up more than three earned runs and just once has a starter given up that many (Ryan Dempster v. Pittsburgh April 20). As for the bullpen, it cost the Cubs late at Washington Friday and almost cost the Cubs a game last Wednesday. But with the exception of last Wednesday (a game Chicago ultimately won), the bullpen has pitched well enough to keep the Cubs in the game and that’s really all you can ask for from your pitchers.

Chicago gets a day off before beginning a huge stretch of six games agains division rivals — St. Louis and Milwaukee. The Cubs are just a half game up on the Cardinals and two games ahead of Milwaukee.