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Jun 1, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro (13) forces out Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (31) during the fifth inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
The weekend series had a bit of a theme to it, with much of the scoring revolving around multiples of four. There was the Scott Hairston grand slam in the opener on Friday, the 12-4 score line in favor of the Diamondbacks on Saturday (which included a grand slam of their own), and the 8-4 win for the visitors on Sunday.
The Good
Slim pickings here. The Cubs were able to run their winning streak to a season high five with a win in the series opener. Highlights include the above mentioned Hairston salami sandwiched by long balls from Alfonso Soriano and Cody Ransom as well.
Matt Garza was excellent and earned his first win of the 2013 season, bringing the Cubs to just seven under at 23-30.
The Ugly
It was looking like the Cubs were on their way to a sixth straight win on Saturday. The home team jumped out to a 3-1 lead after one thanks to a little bit of everything: a lead off double by David DeJesus, a hit batter, walk, and a sac fly just to name a few.
Jeff Samardzija was cruising with 11 strikeouts through six innings, but a pair of walks in the top of the seventh chased the Cubs ace and set the stage for a nuclear bullpen meltdown. James Russell had a rare bad outing thanks in part to getting squeezed on the strike zone against Martin Prado.
But leave it to Carlos Marmol to steal all dubious honors when it comes to crashing and burning out of the bullpen. The beleaguered former closer now former set up man and future former Cub served up a grand slam to Paul Goldschmidt, with the pitcher’s lack of command to be blamed once again.
Zach Putnam made his Cub debut in the ninth and gave up four runs of his own in an effort to fit in with the rest of his pen mates.
The Bad
Edwin Jackson continued his terrible start with his new team, allowing seven runs (five earned) with 12 hits allowed in just 5 2/3 innings of work. Carlos Marmol added another run allowed with three more walks for good measure and the good vibes from sweeping the White Sox and the high of a five game winning streak quickly were snuffed out.