Morning Marquee: Chicago Cubs’ bats quiet in loss; Boston wins 19 inning marathon

Put a man on, leave a man on; Cubs struggle again with RISP

failed to finish the fifth, but he and

would have to be considered the bright spots in a game that saw the Chicago Cubs score a solitary run–in a park known for its offense.

, called up just prior to the game when

was placed on the 15-day DL, struggled as he did in the spring, allowing two more Rockies runs. But those were inconsequential, as the Cubs once again struggled with RISP going 1-for-9.

19 innings, and just under seven hours. That was the battle between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees that started in front of over 40,000 fans and finished with closer to 400 in the stands. Mookie Betts hit a sacrifice fly in the top of the 19th, and the Red Sox turned an impressive double play to end the marathon game.

Minus a small hiccup on Friday from Schlitter, the Cubs bullpen continues to look impressive–and that even includes Edwin Jackson. In his new role, he pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless baseball. Encouraging for the Cubs who hope he can build some trade value out of the pen.

The Reds Billy Hamilton has set the basepaths on fire to start the season, going 7-for-7 in steals in his first four games. He became only the second player to swipe seven or more in the first four games. The last was the Cardinals’ Vince Coleman back in 1987. He went on to steal 109 that season. At the pace he’s going, he’d steal about 285 bases.

These and other stories you might have missed:

‘Cubs struggle to score again in 5-1 loss to Rockies’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Justing Grimm to 15-day DL; Brian Schlitter recalled’ – Cubbies Crib

‘Betts helps end Red Sox marathon’ – Bosox Injection

‘Hamilton setting records, getting wiser with his speed’ – MLB.com

‘Cubs bullpen has been dominant early on’ – Cubbies Crib

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