A day after the worst pitching performance of the season by a Cub starter, Carlos Silva may have delivered the best one yet as he dominated the Cardinals for seven innings en route to a 5-0 victory. Coming into this season I’m not sure if anybody thought that Silva was even capable of pitching like this anymore. During spring training he was being discussed as a possible option to be the fifth starter. Silva had a total of five wins the last two years in Seattle, and he was practically given away to the Cubs in exchange for Milton Bradley. At the time it looked like the Cubs were inheriting an overpaid pitcher who was on the downside of his career. Now he is 7-0 and is the Cubs most reliable pitcher. As for Milton Bradley? Well, he’s still acting like Milton Bradley. Thanks Seattle!
Not only was Silva dominant on Saturday, but the offense showed up as well coming up with some clutch hits. The FOX broadcast was clearly looking to make the Cubs lack of clutch hitting the major story line as they put up this gem right before the start of the game:
Last three game: 4-for-30 with RISP
They turned that trend around though by going 4-for-11 with RISP, three of those coming in the fifth inning. James Ottavino who made his major league debut today for St.Louis struggled with his control right from the outset, and Cub hitters quickly recognized this. They induced six walks out of the rookie who lasted 5.2 innings, allowing 4 earned runs. Ottavino also appeared to be a bit overexcited as he was missing high with his fastball all game. Nevertheless, the Cubs hitters took a good, smart approach to the plate and it paid off.
A win in the rubber game tomorrow would give the Cubs their third consecutive series win which would be impressive considering the teams they have played. Ryan Dempster (3-4, 3.31) will go for Chicago, and on the other side will be Adam Wainwright (6-3, 2.38).
Quick note on Carlos Zambrano, he is expected to make his return to the rotation on Wednesday against Pittsburgh. This likely means that Tom Gorzelanny will be the odd man out and will be forced into the bullpen, although nothing is set in stone. We will find out all of the details tomorrow.
