First Star - Ryan Dempster (.352)
Second Star - Alfonso Soriano (.068)
Third Star - Derrek Lee (.067)
First and foremost, Ryan Dempster is an Ace. There is a very calming feeling as I watch Dempster pitch. Perhaps it is that little glove wiggle, but whatever it may be, I find myself very secure that he will continue to throw with the command, control and confidence that will bring many more W’s our way.
The Jim Edmonds experiment did not take off as well as many Cub fans would have liked. I am not yet willing to throw in the towel on this experiment; however there seemed to be an uneasiness… a lack of confidence that hovered over him, especially with bases loaded. Perhaps it was the expectations…the pressure…that made him swing at some rather questionable pitches. Let’s hope that we soon see the Jim Edmonds of the early 2000’s.
It was extremely satisfying to see D. Lee get himself out of the mini-slump that had been silencing his bat over the past few games. But the difference between this Cubs team and those of the past is the way in which the rest of the lineup can easily pick up the slack. Our offense continues to forge ahead, even when our stars struggle. This is truly a team that understands what it means to win, and more than that, they have the confidence to do so.
Inning by inning recap
1st – Dempster has a very quick inning. Only through 9 pitches. Soriano singles, however Theriot hits into DP. D. Lee continues to struggle at the plate. Lets hope that ends VERY soon. (0-0)
2nd – Another quick inning for Demp. Only 7 pitches. Ramirez continues to hit the ball well. Lead off double. Bad bounce on a wild pitch = Ramirez out at home. Jim Edmonds would have had his first Cub RBI. Nice at bat for Edmonds. Ronny C. continues to remain hot. Blanco is robbed of a hit by a great catch in center. (0-0)
3rd - Quick inning for both Dempster and Maddux. (0-0)
4th – Dempster is looking CYTASTIC…1-2-3 inning once again. Lee bounces out. Ramirez and Fukudome are stranded after Edmonds hit into an inning ending DP. (0-0)
5th – Dempster continues to throw a 1-hit shutout. Very Nice…Cedeno continues to hit the ball well. The hit-n-run produces. 1st and 3rd…no outs…Dempster singles in Cedeno. Soriano singles. Bases loaded. Theriot sac fly. D. Lee breaks his hitless drought by smacking a 2-run double to deep center. Ramirez flies out. Fukudome walks, but Edmonds flies out. (4-0)
6th – Dempster gives up his 1st walk of the day, but no worries. Still throwing a 1-hitter. Cedeno walks. Dempster lays down an interesting sac bunt. Cedeno stranded on 2nd. (4-0)
7th – Dempster gives up his 2nd hit of the game. But settles back in with two groundouts and a very big strikeout. D. Lee singles after a k by Theriot. Ramirez singles. D. Lee to 2nd. Fukudome walks. Bases loaded for Mr. Edmonds. Big K by Edmonds. Cedeno flies out to deep right. (4-0)
8th – The Padres threaten with two singles, but instead of pulling a Marquis and imploding, Demp gets 3 big K’s. The Cubs go down 1-2-3. (4-0)
9th – Giles doubles off Dempster to start the 9th. Gets his 12th strikeout of the game, however gives up a single. Wood replaces Demp. Two big K’s for Wood. (4-0)
May 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
This possible Hall of Famer is costing us zilch! I frankly liked his AB’s…would have loved to see him hit a grand slam but hey the hit out of the gate was nice…reminded me of the feeling of relief I had when Fukodome doubled his first swing with the Cubs. If the funky wild pitch bounce prior hadn’t cost us Ramirez’ out at home he would have had his first Cub RBI.
I am looking forward to a sweep of the Pirates…Co Cubs!