Cubs Squashed in the Juice Box

Brett Myers continued his dominance of the Cubs Tuesday night, only giving up one run. On the flip side, James Russell’s starting debut was a disaster. He was not able to make his way out of the 2^nd inning, and he certainly did not get any help from his defense and offense. The Cubs were charged with three errors for the night, and Cubs fans have to wonder “what if” had the offense been able to give Russell a lead to work with. The offense had runners on first and second with one out, but Aramis Ramirez and Carlos Pena could not cash them in, with Pena hooking a foul ball down the right field line that had home run distance.

The few positives? Starlin Castro went 2 for 5 out of the top spot in the line up, including a single to lead off the game. Marlon Byrd had a perfect night at the plate, going 3 for 3 to boost his average to .391. Tyler Colvin broke up Myers’ shut out bid with a solo home run in the 7^th, his second of the season. On the pitching side, Jeff Stevens made a scoreless 2011 debut, and Marcos Mateo struck out the side in his inning of work.

With an 11-2 loss, there is not much more to talk about. It is best to forget about it and try to win the finale to take the series. The Cubs struggled against the Pirates and Astros last year, and any hopes of contending in the NL Central will have to start with beating the predicted division bottom dwellers.