Cubs 3 StL 2- My Jaw Still Hurts...

What a game. No doubting the importance of this one, especially with this extended rest period on the horizon. Hopefully Ike will cool down the red hot Astros while causing as little damage as possible so we can get back to business in a couple of days. Let's dive in.

Again things started off promising in the first when Sori hit a ground rule double to center that skipped over the wall, and after an infield single by the Riot, the Cubs were in business. However DLee failed to capitalize as he's done so many times this year, striking out in ugly fashion. Surely Rami could be counted on to deliver? But all he offered was a shallow fly to right and Sori bolted for the plate in a solid effort but was gunned down on a nice throw from Ludwick. No runs. Bleh.

Fortunately it was the triumphant return of Rich Harden, who had the Redbirds off-balance all night, locating the fastball and dropping devastating change-ups. He went 1, 2, 3 right out of the gate, striking out Pujols to end the frame. This was essentially a "shut-down" inning after that big missed chance in the top-half and Harden did an excellent job of keeping the momentum out of the Cards' hands. Or should I say... wings! Maybe beaks? You get the idea.

Things remained uneventful as Harden and Wellemeyer continued to duke it out (Did anyone ever think the same Todd Wellemeyer who couldn't hack it in Cubs middle-relief would become an effective mid-rotation starter? Kudos to Dave Duncan I guess). Then in the 5th, the Cubs managed to finally do some damage without registering a hit. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. After a Soto walk and a rare error by Pujols on a chopper from RJ, the boys were again threatening with two on and nobody out. However things seemed to be unraveling once again as Harden managed to pop up a bunt to Pujols. Yet another example of a recent inability to execute. I'm going to try and locate the stat for all-time failed bunt attempts. If the Cubs don't lead the planet in that less-than-flattering category I would be shocked. Regardless, Wellemeyer bailed us out with a wild pitch to Sori that advanced the runners to second and third with one away. At this point, Wellemeyer had completely lost the zone and was afraid to give in to Sori with first base open. After another walk, they were juiced for the Riot... who also walked, giving the Cubs a 1-0 lead. DLee then managed to muster up yet another uninspiring dribbler to third which plated Reed to make it 2-0. Rami hit a soft pop-fly to end the inning and the Cubs took a two run advantage into the bottom of the 5th.

 Kyle McClellan came on in place of Wellemeyer in the 6th, and the Cubs wasted no time in jumping all over him. After consecutive doubles off the wall by DeRosa and Fontenot, the Cubs had extended the lead to 3 and seemed to be recovering their mojo. But then Soto and RJ struck out and Harden tapped one to Larue at the plate who threw over to first to end the inning. As quickly as it started, that's how fast it fizzled back out.

The Cards finally got to Harden in the 6th when Fat Albert smashed a run-scoring double after a lead off walk to Aaron Miles. Felipe Lopez added an RBI single to bring Pujols home and suddenly the deficit was back to one.

The Shark came on for Harden in the 7th and threw up a zero, meanwhile the Cubs bats vanished in the later innings once again as Russ Springer and Rich Franklin did their jobs despite looking encouragingly hittable, much to the chagrin of Ronny up in the booth (He was particularly irked with Russ Springer. At one point I believe he even referred to him as "The most deliberate person I've ever seen." Hilarious). This of course was all just an assorted cold cuts platter compared with the giant succulent, N.Y. Strip that were the 8th and 9th innings. 

Note: I've decided to start interjecting fun, nonsensical analogies throughout these recaps. Because everyone likes fun.

Marmol came on in the 8th and it was apparent from the get-go that he didn't have his best stuff, but when he's around the plate, his B and C stuff his still better than most guys' A material therefore there wasn't too much cause for panic. Until Pujols hit a rocket line drive to left with Aaron Miles at first, only to have it robbed by our old pal, the defensive liability, Alfonso "Fonzie Bear" Soriano. What a play. Believe me, Sori won't be snagging any golden hardware out in left anytime soon, but you have to admit he's played pretty damn well out there in recent weeks, all hopping aside. This, believe it or not, was only the overstuffed Christmas stocking--the sort filled with scratch-and-win tickets and stale chocolate reindeer. It was now time to look under the tree. And what did we behold amongst the smell of fresh pine and the ceaseless glow of twinkle lights and tinsel? A majestic wall-crashing snag from everyone's favorite Asian Santa: Kosuke "Yes I realize I spin around foolishly when I strike out" Fukudome. Unreal. I guess defense really can win ballgames. And after Adam Kennedy was intentionally walked to load the bases for the pinch-hitting Josh Phelps, Marmol blew a letter-high fastball right by him to end the threat. Phew.

After the Cubs were quickly dispatched, it was on to the bottom of the 9th. At this point I could actually begin to feel a dull ache in my jaw. I need to invest in some gum for these types of situations. Perhaps some Trident? (If you're reading this Trident executives, and why wouldn't you be, feel free to contact me with shameless promotional offers). Woody came on and immediately surrendered a pinch-hit double to Brendan Ryan just to make it interesting. Cesar Izturis then laid down a bunt to first which DLee gloved, only he decided to fire to third where A-Ram was out of position to make the tag and as a result, Ryan was safe. That is before he continued sliding right off the bag, and Rami, making a heads up play, kept the tag down and as a result the Cubs got the out and a huge break to boot. Well it didn't stop there as Skip Schumaker promptly slapped a single to left to put runners at first and second with one away. Then, after an Aaron Miles strikeout, it was time for the main event: Woody v. Pujols. Two on. Two out. One run game. Giddy up. In a thrilling battle Woody came out victorious, keeping his fastball in on Fat Albert's hands, eventually inducing a pop up to DeRosa. Ballgame.

In general, the ship seems to be turning itself around. We all know we'll have to be able to win close games exactly like these last two come October, so let's look at this as a tuneup. Great pitching. Great defense. Now if we can only get those bats back on the right track. Hey, that rhymed! 

Two individual player notes: 

Harden- Looked great per-usual. Some seem a bit concerned that his velocity was down. If he feels good and can be that effective throwing in the low 90's, what's the concern? And trust me, it'll come back up. I'm sure he could have let one loose last night if he felt he really needed to.

DLee- His plummet continues. I never thought I'd be so pessismistic anytime #25 stepped in with runners in scoring position. Not only that but his well-documented power dissapearance remains a major concern. I know he's the clubhouse leader. I know he still dazzles with the leather. I love the guy. But this kind of production out of the three hole simply cannot continue, mid-September or no. It's time to try dropping him down. It doesn't have to be permanent.

Anyways. Rest up Cubbies. Rest up fans. Soon we'll be back on the grind.