The Tide Comes In

Last night was the cathartic release we have all been waiting for the past two weeks. The offense truly broke out in a big way. Matt Cain was struggling, and the Cubs took it to him like they are supposed to with a pitcher who has pitched poorly all year. The eight run outburst was highlighted by the fine pitching of Carlos Zambrano who seems to be returning to form. The importance of this has increased with Greg Maddux returning to late thirties form after pitching better than the Cy Young version of himself in April.

Today is the real test of this ball club. This is not a must win ball game because that it is real had to call any game that in May. The Cubs will not be knocked out of the playoff picture if they lose today, and they will not be right back in the thick of things if they win. However, this is one of many moments in a season that defines a team. Cubs teams of the past seasons have struggled to maintain long winning streaks. Over the past three years the Cubs have had only one month with more than sixteen wins. A win today could make yesterday’s victory a turning point in the season. A win today could mark the beginning of a prolonged period of success. A win today could be the catalyst to the Cubs first 90 win season in eight years. The Cubs need this game to make yesterday’s game a turning point in the season.

This is not going to be easy for the Cubs. So many times last year the team would have a great game, and then play another lackluster game the next day. Today needs to be the day where the Cubs start to turn the season around. May has not been kind so far with the Cubs record at 2-8 this month. The Cubs need to go 8-1 the rest of the way to have a winning record. It is not necessary for the Cubs to have a winning record this month, but a winning May would mean that the Cubs do not have to an amazing month to reach 90 wins this season.

Jamey Wright is the starting pitcher for the Giants today. Wright is another struggling right hander that the Cubs need to beat. The Cubs play San Diego at home next, and the Padres are red hot after winning 10 of their last 11 games. Taking two out of the three at San Francisco is essential to salvaging May.

Dusty Baker finally shuffled the lineup significantly yesterday. Juan Pierre batted second for the first time this season. This is where Juan Pierre should stay until Derrek Lee returns. Pierre’s speed can be utilized in the two spot as much as at leadoff until Lee gets back. Pierre bats left handed which will set up the leadoff hitter for stealing second, and Pierre is a great bunter. Jacque Jones needs to be moved up to fifth as long as a lefthander is not on the mound. I strongly dislike Jones presences on this team, but he is hitting the cover off the ball right now.

Marshall needs to pitch like he has been the past three starts. The Cubs need to score runs early, and get to Wright early in the game. The Cubs need to leave San Francisco with some momentum to even the score against the Padres at home. Today’s game could be that forgotten moment of the season where the tide was turned if the Cubs can win.

-Banghart

Well the Cubs failed to score early runs, and Marshall failed to make it through five innings. The Cubs failed to score any runs through the same time frame. This is the same team that we have watched the past few years. This a team incapable of putting together a solid run.

This season is getting longer with each passing day.

-Banghart