The Cubbies. They’re good for what ails ya. With all the turmoil decimating the Braves line-up and starting rotation, its reassuring to see how bad things can really be. The Cubs are a dysfunctional group with enough talent to be competitive (especially in the pathetic NL Central), but who act as individuals who can’t play well with others. The sum of the parts does not add up to a whole. And thus, the Braves win again, thanks to small ball and Cubs miscues.
Rich Hill did a good job, but got no support. Once again, one big inning put the Braves over the top. This time it was a 3-run 4th that opened up what had been a scoreless contest. 3 runs off 2 hits is the sort of things the Cubs give away regularly. The Cubs offense collapsed under the weight of 2 runners put out trying to unwisely take 3rd. On the second occation, in the 8th, Sweet Lou took the opportunity to beat Bobby to the “punch” and got himself ejected. Bobby is still one from the ejection record. Don’t look for it before the Braves return to Atlanta.
The Pinella ejection was entertaining though. Lou takes full advantage of the opportunity to scream and vent the frustration of the Cubs Nation. He even kicked his own cap a few times and, according to the official’s report to MLB, he also kicked an ump. This led to a downpour of refuse from the outfield bleachers. This was Cubs Travel Mug giveaway day, so there were plenty of Blue and Red plastic cups, heavy enough to heave from 12 rows back, to be tossed. And it was great fun to see. I love audience participation at the ballpark. Though the announcers always feign disgust.
The downside- Chipper still DL’d. Smoltz will not start Sunday due to now-admitted pain in the injured pinkie. So cross your good fingers and hope for the best as LANCE CORMIER makes his ’07 debut this afternoon.
Brave-O-Matic 