Although the bullpen once again got the loss for the Cubs, this one didn’t have quite the same heartbreaking feel as the first two losses of the year, because it was the Cubs trying to do the coming back tonight. They came up just short, ending the game with the tying run on second base, and the winning run on first. It was disappointing, but kind of encouraging.
Chris Volstad’s night was short and only modestly effective. He was at the edges of the zone all night (and wasn’t getting the calls), and when he was in the zone he was exactly where he needs to not be: up. Shawn Camp wanted to make sure Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood didn’t feel lonely on the “we give up runs” side of the bullpen, and he gave up another few tonight.
Starlin Castro’s on-base streak ended, together with the Cubs’ comeback bid, when he struck out on three pitches with the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth. It was the end of a really ugly day for the young shortstop.
Aramis Ramirez had a successful return to Wrigley, getting on base twice and driving in two runs. It was nice to see that his early-season struggles are apparently uniform – and not city – dependent. Good for him. He did boot a ball at third, though, so maybe the defensive issues are tied to the city.
One of the only bright notes on the evening? …