The Cubs could not get the bats going in a 2-1 loss on Friday night against Colby Lewis and the Texas Rangers. They had their chances early on, but once again the Cubs failed to capitalize. Lewis was able to settle in and get through six innings allowing just one earned run. Ted Lilly was solid as well for Chicago allowing two runs in 6 2/3 innings. Carlos Zambrano also had a nice outing throwing 1 1/3 scoreless innings.
Errors played a critical role in this one, as the Cubs committed back-to-back errors in the fourth inning setting up the Rangers’ first run. What appeared to be a routine ground ball to third base turned into a three base error as Fontenot, who was playing for the injured Aramis Ramirez, sailed his throw over Derrek Lee. Second baseman Ryan Theriot retrieved the ball and promptly launched it into left field advancing Ian Kinsler all the way to third base. Fontenot’s tough night continued when he struck out with runners at second and third to end the eighth inning. The Cubs were unable to threaten again in the ninth against the flame throwing Neftali Perez.
The injury to Aramis Ramirez occurred on Wednesday night during an at bat against Jamie Moyer. He was supposed to receive treatment on Friday, and then he will see how he feels on Saturday. Ramirez is hitting .166 on the season and is hitless in his last three games.
The Cubs are looking to put an end to the Rangers five game winning streak today, as they will send Randy Wells (3-2, 4.13) to the mound. Wells’ sophomore campaign is off to a solid start, and he has shown an impressive competitiveness that this team needs. After lasting only two innings in a start against the Pirates on May 6th, he vowed that he would be better and that would not happen again. He has made two starts since then and has brought his ERA down almost a full run in those outings. Young left-hander Derrek Holland (2-0, 2.38) will start for the Rangers. He started 21 games last year going 8-13 with a 6.12 ERA , but appears to have made some significant strides over the off season.
