Well, Carlos Zambrano told us we were going to see a new form of the pitcher when he took the mound today to open up the season against the Braves. And We certainly did see the new Zambrano in which he referred to as himself, as Zambrano , had the shortest outing of his career as he let up 8 runs on 6 hits, and 2 walks all in an inning and a third pitched.
The Cubs lead off the game on a good note, as new addition Marlon Byrd launched a three run home run to give the Cubs a 3-0 lead after the first half inning, but it was all downhill from there. As in the bottom half of the inning Zambrano started by walking the first two hitters faced, who eventually scored on a blooper and broken bat singles. Z, capped the inning off by giving up a moonshot 3-run home run to rookie phenom Jason Heyward.
Sean Marshall replaced Zambrano in the second inning, and went on to pitch 2 and 2/3 scoreless innings. Marshall was followed by James Russell, who added another two innings of shut out ball. But, then things blew up again when Jeff Samardzija came into the game, and only lasted a third of an inning while giving up 6 runs (4 earned), on 2 hits and 3 walks. The Braves later added 2 more runs in the eighth, off rookie right hander Justin Berg.
Offensively, the Cubs collected a measly five hits, thanks to Kosuke Fukudome (2), Aramis Ramirez (2). and Marlon Byrd (1). The Cubs five runs came off the power of two home runs, a three run shot by Marlon Byrd, and a two run homer by Aramis Ramirez. The Cubs bottom three hitters (Soriano, Fontenot, Soto) were a combined 0-9.
Next Up
- The Cubs try to get even in the series Wednesday night, as Ryan Dempster opposes Jair Jurgens at Turner Field at 6:10PM.