This was a weird series. It was basically four blowouts, two to a side. Oddly, the Cubs are the second hottest team in the National League over their last ten games. Only the Phillies at 8-2 are better then the Cubs 7-3.
Mark Prior was beat up again. He did give the Cubs five innings, but he dropped to 0-5. All five runs were scored by the third and all five runs were scored on three homeruns. Aramis Ramirez hit homerun number 24 and he drove in two runs. Juan Pierre stole his 38th base of the season.
On Tuesday, the Cubs buried the Diamondbacks early. They scored two in the first, two in the second and three in the third. Ramirez, Michael Barrett, Matt Murton and Jaque Jones all homered for the Cubs. Rich Hill improved to 1-4 with eight very solid innings. He struck out six and walked only one batter. Very good progress for the rookie.
The rain came Wednesday, and that forced a Thursday doubleheader. Game one went to the Diamondbacks, 10-2. Marmol was knocked around for five first inning runs and the D-Backs never looked back. Juan Pierre and Michael Barrett both had three hits in the game. The Cubs blew a lot of chances and stranded thirteen base runners.
Game two went to the Cubs. Mateo threw five solid innings in his major league debut and he’s now 1-0. Matt Murton accounted for most of the Cubs offense in the 7-3 win. He had four hits and he drove in five runs. Pagan scored three times and Phil Nevin crossed the plate twice.
Next up is a three game set against the last place Pirates, so this is a series nobody outside of Cubs or Pirates fans will care about.
