Chicago had no problem putting men on base Wednesday vs. the Nationals. Their problem was converting base runners into runs. The Cubs out hit Washington 9-4 but the Nationals outscored the Cubs 3-2.
Ryan Dempster was the tough luck loser for the North-Siders. The final line on Dempster reads 8 innings, 3 Runs, 6 strikeouts and only 1 walk. The former Cubs closer allowed 2 homeruns and that’s what did him in. Sean Marshall pitched a scoreless 9th.
Chicago’s offense continues to struggle and failed to reward Dempster for his quality start. Ryan Theriot and Marlon Byrd had both of Chicago’s RBIs. Theriot also had another multi-hit game to keep his hitting streak intact.
The Cubs had multiple runners on base with less than 2 outs several times during the game, but failed to come through in the clutch. It’s been a notorious problem for Lou Piniella’s team.
Marlon Byrd made the catch of the year, and shows why he should be a gold glove winner. In the 5th inning, Byrd went back on a fly ball but lost it in the sun. As he stumbled to the ground the ball dropped into his mitt for the out. If you didn’t see it, it will be on highlight reels for a very long time.
Final Score: Cubs (10-12) 2 – Nationals (12-10) 3
WP: Luis Atilano (2-0)
LP: Ryan Dempster (2-1)
S: Matt Capps (10)
The Cubs look to rebound and take advantage of home field as they welcome the Arizona Diamondbacks to town. Ted Lilly (1-0) will make his 2nd start of the season for the Cubs while Ian Kennedy (0-1) will be on the mound for Arizona.
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