Cubs 2-1 Brewers: Macha Yosts Away the Game

Overall, not a great game. The offense failed to solve the riddle of Jeff Suppan, and there was some shambolic defense by Fox and Bradley. Zambrano pitched well enough, registering a quality start in going 7 innings, and allowing just 1 run on 5 hits while walking 3 and K’ing 3. He also drove in the first Cub run. I wonder if Phil Rogers even noticed. Fontenot had 2 hits to “lead” the offense, and Kevin Gregg had a sterling relief appearance. But the real story of this game was the bizarre managing sequence by Ken Macha in the bottom of the 10th. With 2 outs and Theriot on third, Macha IBB’s Bradley, who carries a .192/.331/.315 as a LHB vs. RHP. Soto then PH for Gregg, and Macha IBB’s Soto as well, despite Soto’s .733 OPS vs. RHP. So, you’ve had your pitcher toss 8 straight balls, given him zero margin for error with the bases now loaded, and now expect him to throw strikes. Jake Fox stepped in a put up an admirable battle, working a 9-pitch walk to “drive in” the winning run. Brewer fans will say ball 4 was a strike. And you know what? They’re right: It was in the zone. However, it wasn’t called a strike much at all during the game: So, if you’re a Brewer fan, or if you have friends who are Brewer fans, tell them to direct their anger towards Macha, not Bill Welke. Cubs have earned a split in the series, which is big enough, but it would be nice to get the series win. Rich Harden takes on Braden Looper tomorrow. Lou says he’s going to shake up the lineup, so we’ll see what changes are in store.