Wrap-Up: Chicago Cubs Vs. Philadelphia Phillies (04/29/2012)

The Cubs were able to hand Phillies ace a rare defeat to open the series on Friday, and on Sunday they sent their own ace, Matt Garza, to the mound in an effort to go up 2-1 in the weekend series.

What Went Right: And an ace Garza was indeed. He allowed a bloop single to Jimmy Rollins to lead of the home half of the first, but then proceeded to keep the Phillies offense hitless through the next seven innings, with the only other base runner allowed coming in the form of a free pass in the bottom of the seventh. Just as beautiful to see in Garza’s box score line were 10 strikeouts on the afternoon, including a trio of strikeouts in the third inning.

A pitching gem like that deserved to be rewarded with a W, and Garza’s buddies on offense were more than happy to oblige. The Cubs registered single run tallies in the second, third, and fourth innings, capped off by a solo home run by Joe Mather in the fourth. As a team the line up cranked out eight hits to the two the Cubs staff only allowed.

What Went Wrong: Carlos Marmol was brought into the game in the bottom of the ninth to get some work in and try to get right. When a closer struggles in a non save situation, a common excuse is that it is just that, a non save situation. However, Cubs fans are well aware already this season the troubles Marmol has gotten himself into. His cameo appearance on Sunday afternoon did little to build any confidence, allowing three walks and a run to tarnish the collective shut out bid of the Cubs staff.

What Was Interesting: The speedy Tony Campana was given the start in center field and slotted into the lead off spot, giving the regular David DeJesus a day off. Campana played a big part in sparking the offense, going 2 for 4 with two runs. As it stands, there are still doubts as to whether Campana can be an everyday player and lead off, but with DeJesus off to a bit of a slow start and Marlon Byrd no longer in Cubs pinstripes, the second year bolt of lightning will get his share of opportunities to prove otherwise.