Another Back and Forth Cubs Giants Game

The Cubs offense staked starter Edwin Jackson to a 4-1 after one frame, thanks to a pair of two run jacks by Starlin Castro and Nate Schierholtz. Jackson was able to navigate through five innings before falling apart in the sixth. The Cubs righty started the trouble himself by walking the first two batters. In a wacky inning that featured four walks, two hits, and five wild pitches, the Giants were suddenly up 5-4. Jackson did not survive the inning and reliever Michael Bowden, who had been solid so far this season, was not able to pick up his starter.

Even rookie Hector Rondon got tagged for his first earned run of the young season. But despite all this, the Cubs offense kept at it. Alberto Gonzalez launched a homer halfway up the left field bleachers for his first jack in two seasons and the home team finally took advantage of a bases loaded situation in the eighth. Luis Valbuena was patient at the plate and drew a walk to force in the tying run, and then it was Gonzalez to the rescue again, this time providing the sac fly that has eluded the Cubs offense in prior similar situations.

What was lost in the shadows of the comeback effort by the offense was the perfect inning tossed by Carlos Marmol. But Shawn Camp was the latest Cubs reliever to find a save situation to be kryptonite. The veteran righty had the Giants down to their final out, but Hunter Pence spoiled the save effort with a homer to tie the game.

April 14, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Alberto Gonzalez (8) rounds the bases after a home run during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-USA TODAY Sports

The Cubs could not capitalize on a lead off walk to David DeJesus in the ninth and then things really fell apart in the top of the 10th. Camp allowed two one out singles before a balk call brought in the go ahead run. Another single and a double would put the Giants ahead 10-7.

Alfonso Soriano, who has been heating up with the weather in Chicago, led of the bottom of the 10th with a double, but the rest of his pals could do no further damage against the Giants closer Sergio Romo.

Just two weeks into the season fans and Cubbies Crib readers are probably sick of hearing about silver linings, but the 100 plus loss Cubs of 2012 were able to hang with the defending champion Giants all weekend. Unfortunately for the boys in blue, the progress still fell short of winning the weekend series.