Cubs Fail To Score For First Time in 2009, Fall to Reds

By: kevinhill

The Chicago Cubs were blanked by Johnny Cueto and the Reds bullpen. For the first time this year, they failed to touch home plate even once in the game. The team just looked flat or sluggish all night. Defense was a problem too as Ted Lilly committed an error and had another misplay that scored as a hit.

Milton Bradley seemed like his groin was still hurting him as he failed to get to a Johnny Cueto blooper and the preceding foul ball he hit. Then he struck out twice looking and once swinging. His OBP early was good, but he is wearing thin already. Should have sat out the suspension and given him more time, I just don’t think he is ready.

Kevin Gregg pitched again, and got scored on again. Granted it was a home run by Jay Bruce who is absolutely killing in the first two games against the Cubs. He has gone 2 for 4 both games, with a home run in each. I probably should have accepted the fantasy trade of Jay Bruce for Geovony Soto before this week started.

There were highlights though. In the pitching category, no one gave up a walk. Yes, no one; not Ted Lilly, not Johnny Cueto, not the Reds bullpen, and most surprising, not the Cubs bullpen! Ted Lilly didn’t give up a home run either. Based on his fielding last night, I kn0w why he tries to get fly ball outs.

At the plate, Derrek Lee continued his hot streak. When it goes well for him it really goes well. Both his hits were bloop liners into the outfield, but they still show up as 2 for 4 in the box score. Alfonso Soriano had a couple seeing eye grounders through the hole at shortstop, and didn’t strike out all night. We’ll take it.

Today will be the rubber game as the Cubs try to stay unbeaten in their fifth series. Carlos Zambrano will toe the rubber to start the game and the Shark will be available in the bullpen if needed. Jim Hendry spent some time in Iowa and decided it was time for Samardzija to rejoin the big ball club. I am happy to see that as I think he adds a spark to the club. Notre Dame fans will tune in more now too.