As stated before I apologize for my absence. Now, back to business. The cubs have been really snake bitten lately. They starters have pitched great including earning a quality start in each of the last four games. The Bullpen is right where i left it… floundering. The Offense has been struggling a bit as well, but Soriano and Ramirez continue to hit well.
Game 50
Tonight is the 50th game of the year. We can’t continue to say it is still early the team will improve. The season is about 1/3rd over. It’s time to step up or step out. Tonight, the Cubs will put Jason Marquis on the hill to face the ex-Cub farmhand and oddball Dontrelle Willis. The Cubs have gone 61-61 against the Marlins since they joined the league in 1993. The two teams will meet 5 more times (including tonight) this season. In 2006, the Cubs went 2-4 versus the Marlins but took the series at Wrigley 2-1. The Cubs desperately need a win tonight. Lets hope Sweet Lou will bring the Results.
Jason Marquis (5-1, 2.60)
Jason Marquis has maintained his 5 game winning streak. Unfortunately, this a bit misleading as he has received no decisions his last 3 starts. The Cubs have gone 2-1 in those games though. Marquis pitched well enough to win during his last time out. Against the Padres, he went 7 innings surrendering 1 run on 5 hits and 3 BBs. He struck out 5 on the night. Over his career, the Marlins have really given Marquis trouble. In 59.1 innings (15 games, 8 starts), Marquis has gone 4-3 with a 6.83 era. He only faced the Marlins once in 2006, going 1-0 with a 9.00 era in 5 innings pitched. Marquis is a threat at the plate as he already has 4 RBIs and 2 doubles in 27 at bats this year.
Dontrelle Willis (6-3, 4.80)
Willis is one of the strangest pitchers you’ll ever see. He has that cooky windup and matches it with an outstanding personality. Despite his 6 wins, Willis has not pitched all that well this year. He’s really struggled at the pitcher friendly Dolphin Stadium (2-2. 6.08)while pitching well on the road (4-1, 3.34). Against the Cubs, Willis has been really lights out at Wrigley. He is 2-1 there in 5 starts with a 1.60 ERA. Willis has struggled at the plate this year, but he is a good hitter. He currently has 67 hits (8 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 6 HRs, and 28 RBIs) in 307 at bats.
Tonights Linups
Marlins (Vs Marquis)
Alfredo Amezaga CF (.333, 1-3)
Dan Uggla 2B (.000, 0-1)
Hanely Ramirez SS (1.000, 3-3)
Miguel Cabrera 3B (.333, 3-9, 1 RBI)
Josh Willingham LF (.333, 1-3)
Jeremy Hermida RF (.000, 0-2, 1 RBI)
Miguel Oliva C (.000, 0-2)
Aaron Boone 1B (.000, 0-5)
Dontrelle Willis P
Cubs (vs Willis)
Alfonso Soriano LF (.538, 7-13, 1 HR, 1 RBI)
Cesar Izturis SS (.667, 6-9)
Derrek Lee 1B (.143, 1-7)
Aramis Ramirez 3B (.182, 2-11, 2 RBIs)
Matt Murton RF (1.000, 4-4, 2 RBIs)
Mark DeRosa 2B (.429, 3-7, 1 HR, 2 RBIs)
Michael Barret C (.357, 5-14, 1 RBI)
Angel Pagan CF (No history)
Jason Marquis P
