Happy Live Earth day. There is nothing like listening to some good music especially for a good cause. The bad news is the Cubs lost to the Pirates yesterday and the Brewers won dropping the Cubbies back to 5.5 games back. The Cubs also lost Dempster for an extended period of time. He was unable to throw off the mound without pain and will not be able to complete a rehab assignment over the break as previously planned. The Cubs bullpen has turned around it’s luck lately and has pitched fairly well the last few weeks. The Cubs are 6 out 7 in save game attempts without Dempster and have posted a 3.30 era in the time span. The Cubs have won 11 out of their last 14 and find themselves only 4 games out of the National League Wild Card.
Cubs Vs Pirates
The Pirates and the Cubs both enter the game on runs of 7-3. However, the Cubs have gone 19-11 over their last 30 and the Pirates in the same time period are 15-15. The Pirates have had the Cub’s number the last two years. The Cubs in 2006 and 2007 are currently 9-13 against the Pirates. Tonight the Cubs Ted Lilly will be taking on the Pirates John Van Benschoten.
Ted Lilly (7-4, 3.84)
After struggling in June (5.40 ERA), Lilly rebounded and pitched a great game against the the Nationals in his last start. He threw 7 innings allowed 3 hits and a run. Ted Lilly is slightly less effective against righties (.696) than lefties (.559). Lilly has been struggling lately limiting the walk. He has walked 8 batters over his last 2 starts. However, this trend will likely not continue. Lilly has struck out 92 while only walking 26 in 105.1 innings pitched this year. In 4 games against the Pirates, the Bucs have had his number. He has allowed 9 earned runs in 14.2 innings pitched. Lilly has 4 hits in 34 tries this year. He also has 2 sacrifices on the year.
John Van Benschoten (0-2, 4.35)
Van Benschoten was called up June 15th from AAA Indianapolis and will be making his 4th start of his year and the 9th of his career. He made his major league debut August 18th, 2004. Over his career he is 1-5 with a 5.84 era in 50 innings pitched. So far this year, righties (.726 OPS) have given him much more trouble than lefties (.482 OPS). Van Benschoten has been lights out in the first inning this year. He has yet to give up a hit or a walk in the 1st inning. At the plate, Van Benschoten has 1 hit in 13 at bats and 2 sacrifices. His one hit was homerun back in 2004.
Today’s Lineups:
Cubs (Career Vs Van Benschoten)
Alfonso Soriano LF (No History)
Ryan Theriot SS (No History)
Derrek Lee 1B (No History)
Aramis Ramirez 3B (No History)
Daryle Ward RF (No History)
Mark DeRosa 2B (No History)
Jacque Jones CF (No History)
Koyie Hill C (No History)
Ted Lilly P
Pirates (Career Vs Ted Lilly)
Jose Bautista 3B (.143, 1-7, 1 RBI)
Freddy Sanchez 2B (.333, 2-6)
Xavier Nady CF (.667, 2-3)
Jason Bay LF (.167, 1-6)
Josh Phelps 1B (.333, 3-9)
Ryan Doumit RF (.500, 1-2, 1 RBI)
Ronny Paulino C (.600, 3-5, 1 homerun, 3 RBIs)
Jack Wilson SS (.333, 2-6, 1 RBI)
John Van Benschoten P
