UPDATE:
Two out of three’s not bad? Edwin Jackson had a miserable first inning, giving up four runs, and another run in the second inning before settling down and getting through six. Carlos Marmol pitched a scoreless, if, um, exciting, inning, as did Michael Bowden, but Shawn Camp gave up 2 runs in relief of Jackson.
The offense showed a little life, with two hits apiece by Castro, Soriano, Shierholtz and the #Beef, but once again this is a team operating with three absolute black holes of offense at CF, 2B and 3B and Anthony Rizzo is dangerously close to the event horizon (though I have extreme confidence in Rizzo to turn it around, as well as DeJesus). I just hope it doesn’t turn into one of those things where only half the lineup hits on any given day.
If only the Cubs could have a home opener every Monday the week would start off on such a better foot. Six games into the 2013 season the Cubs are 2-4 after falling three straight in Atlanta. Both wins came on days I bothered to do a post about what I would like to see during the game, so let’s see if I’m magic or not. Because, what I’d really like to see is a win.
On the Mound
Edwin Jackson takes the mound for his second start in a Cubs uniform and first in the home pinstripes. Jackson was decent in his first start, but a high pitch count had him out after five innings. So, I would like to see that pitch count under control and Jackson pitching into the seventh inning, even if he gives up 2 HR and 4 ER total. From there the bullpen takes it home with a clean 2 1/3 innings.
At the Plate
I feel like the frustration of the Atlanta series needs to be taken out on the guests from Milwaukee today. Starlin gets his first HR of the year, as does Soriano, as the Cubs blast four round-trippers on the day and score double digit runs for the first (and maybe only) time this season.
In the Field
Nate Scheirholtz continues a strong start to his Cubs career with a diving catch and gunning out a runner at third. For day one, at least, he avoids any Wrigley right-field shenanigans. Let’s also take a highlight worthy play by Castro and, Soriano, I’m still waiting for that assist.
Final Score
Cubs 11 – Brewers 4
