From Goats to Champs- A Chicago Cubs MLB 14 The Show Dynasty

[harleyhorse8]

Cubs Propelled to Victory off the Back of Castro Home Run


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 6, 2014

CHICAGO- The fans today at Wrigley Field weren't expecting anything special. After all, the Cubs (1-4) had already lost the series. Jeff Samardzija (0-1) was looking decent but hardly inspiring. And when the ball met the bat of Phillies (2-3) first baseman Ryan Howard in the top of the second, all the fans in the crowd groaned, knowing it was a home run before it left the park.

Good teams may have been able to pull one back, but 14 hits in three games is not the mark of a good team. And with the struggles the Cubs offense, especially Anthony Rizzo, Welington Castillo, and rookie Mike Olt, had been having, the one-run lead felt like five to the fans on the North Side of Chicago. Immediately after the homer, murmurs swept the crowd. Would Samardzija lose it in the second? Would he put the game out of reach as the two previous starters had done? Thankfully Samardzija recovered on the mound, and one other hit would be all he would allow in his tenure on the rubber.

The Cubs may have had a good chance in the fourth. With two on, a perfectly-placed sacrifice would put two into scoring position. Any ball in play, bar a pop-up, would tie the game, maybe even put the Cubs in the lead. But Emilio Bonifacio struck out with one away, and the ground ball that would have plated Baker at third didn't mean anything with two outs.

Then it happened. You may have said that it didn't look like Phillies lefty Cliff Lee (0-1) had been bringing his best stuff. The Cubs had managed a few hits, but none that mattered. Then it happened in the sixth. With two outs, Darwin Barney squeezed a ground ball between the first and second basemen. Then, shortstop Starlin Castro stepped to the plate. While he is a top player of the future, Castro hasn't shown very much clutch with 2 down. But that didn't matter today. On the 1-2 pitch, Lee laid in a cut fastball and Castro connected with a mighty swing that sent the ball to the heavens. Within seconds of the baseball plunking down in the upper deck, Wrigley was rocking.

And rocking it stayed, as Samardzija continued his good form through seven innings, posting three 0-0-0s and striking out six. The bullpen, who have been good with the lead so far, kept up the work as closer Jose Veras collected his second save of the season.

Several of the Cubs who have been struggling so far, like Rizzo and Castillo, came through with a hit today. Not so for Junior Lake, who struck out three times in his 0-for-4 day. On the other side of the ball, the Phillies were held to only two hits thanks to seven solid innings from Jeff Samardzija. His performance is a great way to restore Chicago's confidence in their starters, who have not looked at all impressive early this season.

Following this, the Cubs will play host to the Pirates on the 8th, 9th, and 10th after getting tomorrow off. The Phillies will also be at home, as they take on the Brewers in interdivision play on the 7th, 9th, and 10th.

Andrew Kovalchuk is an independent journalist who covers the NL Central for MLB.com. He also writes for Sporting News and SBNation.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Philadelphia Phillies at Chicago Cubs
Apr 6, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Philadelphia (2-3)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	0
Chicago (1-4)	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	0	x	2	6	0
W: Samardzija (1-1) L: Lee (0-2) S: Veras (2)

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			PHI	CHC

Philadelphia Phillies
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Revere, CF	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.240
Gwynn Jr., LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.208
Byrd, RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.167
Howard, 1B	4	1	1	1	0	2	1	.364
Utley, 2B	2	0	0	0	1	0	0	.238
Ruiz, C	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.286
Rollins, SS	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.105
Asche, 3B	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	.111
Nieves, C	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.250
Lee, P	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Mayberry Jr., RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
s- Altherr, 3B	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	29	1	2	1	2	7	1
BATTING: HR: Howard (3) RBI: Howard (5)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, RF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.300
Barney, 2B	4	1	1	0	0	0	0	.294
Castro, SS	4	1	1	2	0	1	1	.250
Ruggiano, CF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.238
Lake, LF	3	0	0	0	0	3	0	.091
Olt, 3B	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	.111
Rizzo, 1B	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.095
Baker, C	2	0	1	0	1	1	0	.333
Samardzija, P	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.500
Castillo, C	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.154
TEAM TOTALS	29	2	6	2	1	7	1
BATTING: HR: Castro (1) RBI: Castro 2 (3) SAC: Samardzija (2)

Philadelphia Phillies
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Lee (L, 0-2)	7.0	6	2	2	1	7	1	8.10
Adams	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	2.08
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	6	2	2	1	7	1

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Samardzija (W, 1-1)	7.0	2	1	1	2	6	1	2.08
Wright (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Veras (S, 2)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	2	1	1	2	7	1

[harleyhorse8]

Cubs Bust it Open Late en Route to Third Win


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 8, 2014

CHICAGO- Coming off a big win against the Phillies, the Chicago Cubs (2-4) came into this game looking for the next step on the road back to .500. And boy, did they sure get it with this game.

Starter Travis Wood (1-0) looked great through the innings he pitched, going six full only allowing four hits. However, a double in the second by Pirate 1B Gaby Sanchez later came around to score, and it looked like it may be another one of "those days" after the Cubs were shut down through five by Francisco Liriano (0-1).

That is, until the sixth. With two on, a succession of singles by such players as Starlin Castro, Junior Lake, and Mike Olt drove in four runs. The Pirates eventually got out of the inning and established a 1-2-3 seventh, but the damage was done. The game would be sealed in the eighth after Buccos reliever Mark Melancon gave up a single to Darwin Barney and walked third baseman Olt. With two away, Castro hit a three-run homer to put the game to bed. The Cubs bullpen continued their fine play, with Blake Parker, Wesley Wright, and Pedro Strop putting in three scoreless innings of work.

Despite their excellent play today, Anthony Rizzo was once again disappointing, not managing a hit in 3 AB. On the other side of the ball, Pedro Alvarez has been sorely disappointing to start this year, not managing even one hit in six ballgames.

Games 2 and 3 are tomorrow and the 10th.

Andrew Kovalchuk covers the NL Central for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs
Apr 8, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Pittsburgh (4-2)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	0
Chicago (2-4)	0	0	0	0	0	4	0	3	x	7	6	0
W: Wood (2-0) L: Liriano (0-1) S: N/A

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			PIT	CHC

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Marte, LF	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.125
Polanco, RF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.417
McCutchen, CF	3	0	1	0	1	1	0	.250
Alvarez, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	3	0	.000
Sanchez, 1B	4	1	2	0	0	0	0	.182
Mercer, SS	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.100
Walker, 2B	3	0	0	1	0	0	0	.350
Martin, C	3	0	1	0	0	0	0	.348
Liriano, P	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.333
Tabata, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.444
TEAM TOTALS	30	1	4	1	3	8	0
BATTING: 2B: Sanchez 2 (2) RBI: Walker (6) SF: Walker

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, RF	4	0	1	0	1	1	0	.292
Barney, 2B	5	2	2	0	1	1	0	.318
Castro, SS	4	2	2	3	1	1	1	.292
Ruggiano, CF	3	1	0	0	2	1	0	.208
Castillo, C	3	0	1	1	0	1	0	.187
Rizzo, 1B	3	0	0	0	1	1	0	.083
Lake, LF	3	1	1	1	1	0	0	.143
Olt, 3B	4	1	2	1	0	0	0	.182
Wood, P	2	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Valbuena, 3B	1	0	1	1	0	0	0	.429
TEAM TOTALS	32	7	10	7	6	6	1
BATTING: HR: Castro (2) RBI: Castro 3 (6), Lake (1), Valbuena (1), Castillo (2), Olt (1) SF: Castillo SAC: Wright
BASERUNNING: SB: Bonifacio (3)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Liriano (L, 0-1)	5.2	4	4	4	4	5	0	5.91
Hughes	0.1	2	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Morris	0.2	1	0	0	2	1	0	0.00
Melancon	1.1	3	3	3	0	0	1	11.57
TEAM TOTALS	8.0	10	7	7	6	6	1

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Wood (W, 2-0)	6.0	4	1	1	3	7	0	2.31
Parker (H, 2)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6.23
Wright (H, 2)	1.0	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Strop	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	6.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	4	1	1	3	8	0

[harleyhorse8]

Transactions around the MLB: 3/30-4/5

4/2

Reds
Placed C Brayan Pena on 15-day DL.
Recalled C Tucker Barnhart from Triple-A Louisville.

Red Sox
Placed RF Shane Victorino on 15-day DL.
Recalled LF Mike Carp from Triple-A Pawtucket.

4/3

Braves
Placed RF Joey Terdoslavich on 15-day DL.
Promoted LF Josh Elander from Class-A Myrtle Beach to Double-A Mississippi.
Promoted CF Cedric Hunter from Double-A Mississippi to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Cubs
Purchased the contract of SP Tsuyoshi Wada from Triple-A Iowa.
Placed RP Zach Rosscup on outright assignment waivers.

Padres
Placed SP Casey Kelly on 15-day DL.
Promoted RP Rob Johnson from Class-A Lake Elsinore to Double-A San Antonio.
Promoted RP Jorge Reyes from Double-A San Antonio to Triple-A El Paso.

Reds
Promoted 3B Seth Mejia-Bream from Class A-Lynchburg to Double-A Pensacola.
Promoted C Bryan Anderson from Double-A Pensacola to Triple-A Louisville.

Red Sox
Placed LF Mike Carp on 60-day DL.
Promoted SS Jose Vinicio from Class-A Salem to Double-A Portland.
Promoted LF Aaron King from Class-A Salem to Double-A Portland.
Promoted SS Deven Marrero from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Promoted RF Henry Ramos from Double-A Portland to Triple-A Pawtucket.
Recalled 2B Ryan Roberts from Triple-A Pawtucket.
Purchased the contract of 2B Ryan Roberts from Triple-A Pawtucket.

4/4

Astros
Placed 3B Jonathan Meyer on 15-day DL.
Promoted SS Carlos Correa from Class-A Lancaster to Double-A Corpus Christi.
Promoted SS Joe Sclafani from Double-A Corpus Christi to Triple-A Oklahoma City.

Brewers
Placed SP Johnny Hellweg on 15-day DL.
Promoted RP Jeremy Jeffress from Class-A Brevard County to Double-A Huntsville.

Pirates
Placed SP Brandon Cumpton on 15-day DL.
Promoted RP Vin Mazzaro from Class-A Bradenton to Double-A Altoona.
Promoted SP Jameson Taillon from Double-A Altoona to Triple-A Indianapolis.
Recalled RP Bryan Morris from Triple-A Indianapolis.

4/5

Cardinals
Placed CF Rafael Ortega on 15-day DL.
Promoted CF Charlie Tilson from Class-A Palm Beach to Double-A Springfield.
Promoted CF James Ramsey from Double-A Springfield to Triple-A Memphis.

Cubs
Outrighted RP Zach Rosscup to Class-A Daytona.

Tigers
Placed LF Rajai Davis on 15-day DL.
Promoted C Austin Green from Class-A Lakeland to Double-A Erie.
Promoted 2B Devon Travis from Double-A Erie to Triple-A Toledo.
Recalled RF Steven Moya from Triple-A Toledo.

Site last updated 16:00:00 GMT 04/08/14. Team names are registered trademarks of Major League Baseball, Inc. Copyright 1984-2014 ESPN, the Worldwide Leader in Sports.

[harleyhorse8]

Skulina first injury victim of Cubs' young season


By Michael Andrews, Sports Correspondent, April 8, 2014

CHICAGO- While the injury bug may have not bitten the major league Cubs yet, it found its first victim in Double-A. On the 7th of the month, the Tennessee Smokies finished up their opening 5-game series against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

Tyler Skulina, a second-year pitching prospect out of Kent State, started the first two innings without a hitch, but a ground ball in the top of the third with two away pegged him on the right side of his ribs underneath his throwing arm. Skulina appeared to shake off the discomfort and threw a few more pitches, but a swelling on the obliques forced him to exit the game.

Later today, the Cubs have announced their intention to place Skulina on the 15-day disabled list, calling up Ivan Pineyro from Class-A to be his replacement. Double-A Tennessee Smokies manager Buddy Bailey confirmed that the injury was not serious, but "We wanted to play it safe. Tyler has shown some signs of discomfort after being hit by the baseball and we want to make sure he is 100% before he starts throwing again. Had he been a position player, we probably wouldn't have put him in the position, but with a pitcher, you can't afford to have a little injury turn into a large one."

Michael Andrews writes for the Tribune mainly about Chicago sports. He lives in Greene Point with his wife and two children and is a die-hard Cubs fan. Follow him on Twitter at @Mike_Andrews67.

[harleyhorse8]

Pirates Blow Out Cubs with 3 HR, Jackson Injured


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 9, 2014

CHICAGO- After a win last night, the Chicago Cubs (3-4) were looking for the same tonight. Everything seemed to be going well: Edwin Jackson (0-1) (facing Wandy Rodriguez [1-0]), who had struggled in his first outing, was pitching his heart out, and the Cubs were getting runners on base. But they were not coming around to score. Then Jackson got hurt.

On a 1-1 pitch to start the fifth, Jackson delivered a strike, but immediately doubled over clutching his elbow. The trainers had to escort him off the field, as he may have a torn ligament or muscle that may require surgery, a huge blow early in the season. If ever a team's needs were to be addressed this early on, Chicago needs another pitcher and they need one now. Chris Rusin was brought in to replace Jackson: with the injury, Rusin will move into the rotation for now.

Rusin pitched well but could not halt a run from coming around in the sixth. Then things really went south. In the seventh, a moon shot off of Russell Martin's bat for a two-run HR brought the lead to 3-0. Then, the bullpen suffered a major collapse. Lefty James Russell could not stop LF Starling Marte and 1B Gaby Sanchez from hitting two major bombs, giving the Pirates a 10-0 lead before it was all said and done. The Cubs got a couple consolation runs, including a two-run homer from Justin Ruggiano, but in the end, they were humiliated in front of their own fans.

One positive to take away from this game for the Cubs, if you could even call it that, would be that Junior Lake and Mike Olt both appear to be warming up after a disappointing first few games. On the other hand, Pedro Alvarez is still without a hit for the Pirates this season. Incredibly disappointing.

Game 3 of the series is tomorrow; you can catch it on WGN America at 1:00 PM.

Andrew Kovalchuk is an independent journalist who covers the NL Central for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Pittsburgh Pirates at Chicago Cubs
Apr 9, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Pittsburgh (4-3)	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	6	0	10	10	1
Chicago (3-4)	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	3	8	1
W: Rodriguez (2-0) L: Rusin (L, 0-1) S: N/A

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			PIT	CHC

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Marte, LF	5	1	2	3	0	0	1	.172
Polanco, RF	4	1	1	0	1	0	0	.393
McCutchen, CF	5	1	1	0	0	1	0	.241
Alvarez, 3B	4	1	0	0	1	2	0	.000
Walker, 2B	5	1	1	2	0	1	0	.320
Martin, C	3	1	1	2	0	0	1	.346
Sanchez, 1B	4	2	1	1	0	0	1	.192
Mercer, SS	4	1	2	1	0	1	0	.167
Rodriguez, P	2	1	1	1	1	1	0	.333
TEAM TOTALS	36	10	10	10	3	6	3
BATTING: HR: Marte (1), Martin (1), Sanchez (1) RBI: Rodriguez (1), Marte 3 (7), Mercer (1), Walker 2 (8), Martin 2 (6), Sanchez (4) HBP: Martin SAC: Rodriguez GIDP: Polanco
BASERUNNING: SB: Polanco 2 (2)
FIELDING: E: Sanchez (1)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, RF	4	0	1	0	1	1	0	.286
Barney, 2B	5	0	1	2	0	0	0	.296
Castro, SS	4	0	0	0	1	1	0	.250
Ruggiano, CF	3	1	1	1	1	0	1	.222
Castillo, C	4	0	0	0	0	0	0	.150
Rizzo, 1B	3	0	0	0	1	0	0	.074
Lake, LF	3	1	2	0	1	0	0	.235
Olt, 3B	4	0	1	0	0	0	0	.192
Jackson, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Rusin, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
Sweeney, LF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.250
TEAM TOTALS	34	3	8	3	5	2	1
BATTING: HR: Ruggiano (2) RBI: Barney 2 (3), Ruggiano (2)
BASERUNNING: CS: Castro (2)
FIELDING: E: Olt (2)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Rodriguez	8.2	8	3	3	5	1	1	3.95
Watson	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	8	3	3	5	2	1

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Jackson	4.0	0	0	0	0	6	0	0.00
Rusin (L, 0-1)	2.2	3	3	3	1	0	1	4.76
Villanueva	0.1	1	1	1	0	0	1	4.50
Russell	1.0	5	6	6	2	0	1	11.57
Parker	1.0	1	0	0	0	0	0	5.06
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	10	10	10	3	6	3

[harleyhorse8]

Good News for Cubs on Jackson Injury

By Arnold Scheffbaum, Tribune Baseball Correspondent, April 10, 2014

CHICAGO- After Edwin Jackson left yesterday's game against the Pirates clutching his elbow, many fans assumed the worst. However, for a team that has not had much luck to open up the season, anyone could see the Cubs got extremely lucky after an MRI scan of Jackson's elbow revealed no serious damage.

Dr. Sam Franklin, Chicago's head therapist, had this to say: "We are pleased to report that Edwin Jackson has not sustained serious damage to his elbow. Although the injury may have appeared serious at first, we believe that it was no more than a muscle cramp. This was probably brought on by a combination of cold temperatures and dehydration. Edwin is cleared to start training and will return to compete at his manager's discretion."

This had to come as good news to all Cub fans worldwide. The pitching staff hadn't been looking good to open up the season, and losing one of their top three starters may have put them in a hole from which they could not climb out of. We'll all anticipate the return of Edwin Jackson to the mound.

Arnold Scheffbaum has been the Tribune's baseball correspondent for over 30 years. He is a Chicago native and lives with his wife, his daughter, and her two children.

[harleyhorse8]

Cubs Win Extra Inning Thriller off Rizzo Solo Shot


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 10, 2014

CHICAGO- We thought the Cubs (3-5) were going to lose this game multiple times to the Pirates (5-3), but ultimately they didn't. And whether it's by a dominating blowout or a scrappy comeback, winning is the only thing that matters in baseball.

As expected, the Cubs gave up a run in the first, after Pirates LF Starling Marte singled to start off the ballgame. Although Jason Hammel (0-1) managed to work the next three batters out, they were all productive outs and sent the runner home, Unlike in the last few games, the Cubs would answer in the second. After Welington Castillo walked and advanced to second on a double play, the so-far quiet Anthony Rizzo came up big, slapping a grounder up the middle to tie the game.

Both pitchers, Hammel and Jeff Locke (0-0) shut it down in the middle innings, but again, the Pirates would strike first. With Andrew McCutchen on first, third baseman Pedro Alvarez doubled, making it 2-1 Pirates. But again the Cubs would equalize, off the bat of Rizzo. With Starlin Castro on third and two down, Rizzo hit a hard line drive over the first baseman's head that would nestle in the corner, earning him two bases and Castro a trip home.

Cubs veteran reliever Carlos Villanueva put in good work in the sixth and seventh, giving Chicago a chance to take the lead. After getting the first man out to start the bottom of the seventh, Bucco reliever Jared Hughes left the mound with an injury. Bryan Morris came in and would give up a hit to PH Nate Schierholtz and a bunt single to Emilio Bonifacio, putting the Cubs in a promising situation. But 2B Darwin Barney struck out, and Starlin Castro's ground ball that may have scored a runner on a fielder's choice the previous at-bat simply ended the inning.

With the eighth approaching, RHP Blake Parker took over on the mound. After getting the first batter out, Neil Walker tripled off the ivy in left center. The next batter sacrifice flied him home, and the fans at Wrigley began to leave for the exits.

With the bottom of the ninth looming and Pirates closer Jason Grilli in, it was do or die time for the Cubs. Their first batter, pinch hitter Ryan Kalish, hit for a single and Bonifacio bunted him over. With one away, Darwin Barney was intentionally walked to set up the double play. Luis Valbuena pinch ran for Barney, and immediately Castro lined to right, blowing Grilli's first save of the year. But the Cubs weren't able to get the winning run as it went into extra innings.

For the extras, Chicago lefthander James Russell was summoned to pitch against Pittsburgh righty Edinson Volquez. One pitcher had been jumped on in yesterday's game, and the other had not pitched yet this season. You can believe fans on both sides were biting their fingernails. It went to twelve innings, but in the bottom of the 12th with one away, it was Rizzo who uncorked a ball to straightaway center, giving the Cubs a thrilling victory in extra innings and their first series win of the year.

For both teams, recently struggling players turned it around. Anthony Rizzo, boasting a .087 average before this, went 4-for-5 and won the game for his team. On the other hand, Pedro Alvarez got his first hit...or hits, should I say, as he went 4-for-5 as well with 2 RBI. On the other hand, it was disappointing for the Cubs to see Mike Olt go 0-for-4 with three strikeouts.

The Cubs will travel to Saint Louis to play the Cardinals tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday, and then play a 2-game interleague series at Yankee Stadium against New York. For the Pirates, they will play two away series in the next six days, first against the division-leading Brewers and the second-place Reds.

Andrew Kovalchuk is an independent journalist who covers the NL Central for MLB.com. He also writes for Sporting News and SBNation.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Pirates at Cubs |
Apr 10, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	Extras	R	H	E
Pittsburgh (5-3)	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0	0 0 0	3	10	0
Chicago (3-5)	0	1	0	0	0	1	0	0	1	0 0 1	4	12	0
W: Russell (1-0) L: Volquez (L, 0-1) S: N/A

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			PIT	CHC

Pittsburgh Pirates
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Marte, LF	5	1	1	0	1	1	0	.176
Polanco, RF	5	0	1	0	1	1	0	.364
McCutchen, CF	5	1	0	0	1	0	0	.206
Alvarez, 3B	5	0	4	2	0	0	0	.118
Walker, 2B	5	1	1	0	1	2	0	.300
Martin, C	2	0	1	0	1	1	0	.357
Tabata, LF	0	0	0	1	0	0	0	.444
s- Santos, C	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.000
Sanchez, 1B	5	0	1	0	0	0	0	.194
Mercer, SS	4	0	1	0	1	1	0	.179
Locke, P	3	0	0	0	0	2	0	.000
Hanson, SS	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.143
Volquez, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.000
TEAM TOTALS	42	3	10	3	6	9	0
BATTING: 2B: Alvarez 2 (2) 3B: Walker (1) RBI: Alvarez 2 (3), Tabata (2) SF: Alvarez, Tabata GIDP: Polanco
BASERUNNING: SB: Marte (1) CS: Martin (1)
FIELDING: PB: Martin (1)

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Bonifacio, RF	5	0	1	0	0	2	0	.303
Barney, 2B	4	0	0	0	1	1	0	.258
r-Valbuena, 3B	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.375
Castro, SS	4	1	1	1	2	1	0	.250
Ruggiano, CF	5	0	0	0	1	1	0	.187
Castillo, C	5	1	2	0	1	1	0	.200
Rizzo, 1B	5	1	4	2	1	1	1	,187
Olt, 3B	4	0	0	0	1	3	0	.167
Sweeney, LF	4	0	1	1	1	0	0	.250
Hammel, P	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.500
Lake, LF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.222
Schierholtz, RF	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	.267
Kalish, LF	1	1	1	0	0	0	0	.333
Baker, C	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.375
TEAM TOTALS	42	4	12	4	8	11	1
BATTING: 2B: Rizzo (1) HR: Rizzo (1) RBI: Castro (7), Rizzo 2 (3), Sweeney (1) GIDP: Castillo, Olt
BASERUNNING: SB: Bonifacio (4)

Pittsburgh Pirates
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Locke	5.0	3	2	2	5	3	0	3.60
Wilson (BS, 1)	1.0	1	0	0	0	1	0	2.25
Hughes	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0.00
Morris	0.2	2	0	0	0	1	0	0.00
Melancon (H, 2)	0.1	2	0	0	0	0	0	10.80
Watson (H, 3)	0.2	0	0	0	1	0	0	0.00
Grilli (BS, 1)	0.1	2	1	1	1	0	0	3.86
Volquez (L, 0-1)	3.0	2	1	1	1	6	1	1.80
TEAM TOTALS	11.1	12	4	4	8	11	1

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Hammel	5.0	4	2	2	4	3	0	4.91
Villanueva	2.0	1	0	0	1	1	0	2.25
Parker	0.2	3	1	1	0	0	0	6.00
Strop	1.1	0	0	0	1	0	0	4.15
Wright	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
Russell (W, 1-0)	2.0	1	0	0	0	3	0	8.10
TEAM TOTALS	12.0	10	3	3	6	9	0

[harleyhorse8]

Cardinals Win it Late after Cubs Battle Back


By Andrew Kovalchuk, MLB.com Journalist, April 11, 2014

ST. LOUIS- The two teams at the bottom of the NL Central battled today, as the Cubs (4-5) took on the Cardinals (2-7). The Cards would send Joe Kelly (1-0) to the mound against Jake Arrieta (0-1).

Both teams struck early, as the Cardinals scored a run in the first and the Cubs answered in the second. St. Louis would regain the lead off a double, and that would be the last either team would see of runs until the later innings.

In the ninth, the Cardinals brought out Trevor Rosenthal to close it down. Then things went south. With 1 out, Chicago shortstop Starlin Castro doubled, and Nate Schierholtz walked after Anthony Rizzo struck out. With 2 out, 3B Luis Valbuena grounded to first in what should have ended the game, but Matt Adams could not get his glove to it. Castro bolted for home from second. The throw came in, but it was off line, tying the game. Darwin Barney then walked. But the Cubs failed to take a golden opportunity when pinch hitter Junior Lake grounded out with the bases full.

And that may have killed the Cubs. With Pedro Strop pitching, two batters were retired but All-Star catcher Yadier Molina walked. Then on 3-2, Mark Ellis, who had been 0-for-3 so far, doubled to center, scoring Molina, ending the game, and giving the Cardinals the advantage in the series.

Cardinals pitcher Joe Kelly said afterwards, "I think both teams really played well, but there's really only one winner. Hats off to them, but we got the lucky breaks. That's baseball for you, really."

Many players took an 0-for in today's ballgame, including Cardinal Matt Adams and Cub Justin Ruggiano. Castro's scoreline was unique; the Cubs' SS went 2-for-4 with 2 strikeouts and the only extra-base hit of the game for the Cubs. Anthony Rizzo failed to replicate his performance from last game, going 0-for-3.

Games 2 and 3 will be tomorrow and Sunday for this weekend series.

Andrew Kovalchuk covers the NL Central for MLB.com. He also writes for Sporting News and SBNation.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ItsAndyK.

Chicago Cubs at St. Louis Cardinals
Apr 11, 2014	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E
Chicago (4-5)	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	2	4	0
St. Louis (2-7)	1	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	1	3	6	1
W: Siegrist (W, 1-0) L: Strop (L, 0-1) S: N/A

Scoring Summary
SCORING DETAILS			CHC	STL

Chicago Cubs
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Ruggiano, CF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.167
Sweeney, LF	4	0	0	0	0	1	0	.200
Castro, SS	4	1	2	0	0	2	0	.278
Rizzo, 1B	3	1	0	0	1	2	0	.171
Schierholtz, RF	3	0	1	0	1	1	0	.278
Valbuena, 3B	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.250
Barney, 2B	3	0	1	1	1	0	0	.265
Baker, C	3	0	0	0	0	1	0	.273
Lake, RF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.211
Arrieta, P	1	0	0	0	1	1	0	.000
Bonifacio, CF	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	.294
TEAM TOTALS	31	2	4	1	4	11	0
BATTING: 2B: Castro (1) RBI: Barney (4) GIDP: Valbuena

St. Louis Cardinals
HITTERS	AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	HR	AVG
Carpenter, 3B	4	2	2	0	0	1	0	.333
Taveras, CF	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.265
Craig, RF	4	0	1	2	0	1	0	.250
Adams, 1B	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.182
Holliday, LF	4	0	0	0	0	2	0	.281
Molina, C	2	1	0	0	2	1	0	.286
Peralta, SS	4	0	1	0	0	1	0	.313
Ellis, 2B	3	0	1	1	1	0	0	.125
Kelly, P	2	0	0	0	0	1	0	.167
Jay, CF	1	0	0	0	0	1	0	.273
TEAM TOTALS	32	3	6	3	3	11	0
BATTING: 2B: Peralta (3), Craig (4), Ellis (1) 3B: Carpenter (1) RBI: Craig 2 (6), Ellis (3)
FIELDING: E: Adams (1)

Chicago Cubs
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Arrieta	6.0	4	2	2	2	7	0	4.91
Villanueva	0.2	0	0	0	0	0	0	1.93
Russell	0.1	0	0	0	0	1	0	7.71
Wright	1.0	1	0	0	0	2	0	0.00
TEAM TOTALS	8.2	6	3	3	3	11	0

St. Louis Cardinals
PITCHERS	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	HR	ERA
Kelly	7.0	3	1	1	2	9	0	1.72
Motte (H, 1)	1.0	0	0	0	0	0	0	9.00
Rosenthal (BS, 1)	0.2	1	1	0	2	2	0	0.00
Siegrist (W, 1-0)	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	0	3.86
TEAM TOTALS	9.0	4	2	1	4	11	0