Cubs’ Bats Stay Hot Against Cards

The game started as a homecoming for the defending champion Cardinals, but ended in a W for the Cubbies.

After a short rain delay, the Cubs came out in the first inning ready to score some runs. They started the game with three straight hits and then, after an Alfonso Soriano fly out, Ian Stewart hit his first home run in 171 AB’s. It was a three-run shot off of Cardinals’ ace Adam Wainwright. After a quiet second inning, the Cubs came out quick in the third. Two walks and a single loaded the bases for Bryan LaHair, who promptly hit his first grand slam over the left-center field fence. After the fourth, the Cubs were up 9-0.

Jeff Samardzija pitched well in the first four innings, but it looked like he got tired in the fifth. He gave up five runs on six hits before working out of it. Dale Sveum let the righty work through so he could get the win. End of five- 9-5 Cubs.

Rafael Dolis relieved Samardzija in the sitxth, going two strong innings while allowing only one base runner.

Kerry Wood pitched a shutout eighth, allowing a hit and striking out a batter.

The ninth belonged to Carlos Marmol in a non-save opportunity. Marmol struck out two of three hitters and did not allow a baserunner. Game over, Cubs win- 9-5.

Starlin Castro went 3-4 with two runs and an RBI. He had the only RBI other than LaHair and Stewart’s home runs.

The hitting continued and the bullpen pitched four scoreless innings. If the Cubs can continue the success at the plate and in the pen, then they might be able to add to their modest two game win streak.

Go Cubs Go!