Game 132 Recap-
In a game that featured 28 hits and 23 runs, rookie C Geovany Soto had the biggest hit a 3 run double in the 7 run 7th, helping the Chicago Cubs defeat the Pittsburgh Pirates 14-9 at PNC Park Tuesday in Pennsylvania. The Cubs have beaten the Pirates 13 times in 17 games, were lead by Soto’s 2 3 run doubles and a home run, while 1b Derek Lee had 2 rbis.
In this offensive explosion, neither starter was around after the 5th inning, as both Cubs ace Carlos Zambrano(13-5,3.53) and RH Ian Snell(5-10,5.77) had rough outings. The Cubs RH went 4 1/3 giving up 8 hits, 6 runs with 3 Ks and 4 walks. Zambrano, however, had a strong bullpen behind him as 6 relievers combined to allow 2 earned runs. Snell in 4 innings was touched for 5 hits and 5 runs with 2 Ks and 4 walks. The young veteran tried to remain post game,” We made some bonehead mistakes,” Snell said. “But this team is leaving everything it has on the field. … We got rid of some good players and it’s hurt us. But people need to get over that.”
The game turned with the Pirates bullpen coming unglued in the 7th, new comer RH Craig Hansen(0-2, 8.10) was a mess and did not retire a batter while walking 3 batters and allowing 4 runs with 1 hit(Soto’s double). By comparison to the Cubs relief corps, the 6 Pirates allowed 9 runs.”We did some things offensively but, obviously, we didn’t pitch very well,” manager John Russell said after the Pirates walked nine, hit a batter and threw two wild pitches.
Star of the Game-
Soto- Give him the rookie of the year award- NOW
Pirates Notes-
Cubs have scored 10 runs or more vs the Pirates in 6 games…Morgan had 3 hits while Doumit, Laroche, Moss,Mientkiewicz, Sanchez and Wilson had 2 apiece… Club left 12 men on base…Cubs LF Alfonso Soriano had a huge error on a dropped fly ball in the 6th but had a big day with the bat, going 3 for 6 with 2 runs
Next Game-
Wednesday,12:30 at PNC Park
Pirates LH Zach Duke(4-12,5.29) vs Cubs RH Jason Marquis(8-7,4.73)
