One night after getting knocked around pretty good the Cubs bounced back to even the series with the Marlins at one game a piece. Jeff Samardzija got the start for the Cubs and walked a fine line all night, accumulating 90+ pitches in the fifth inning which is where his night would end. Samardzija went five innings giving up one run on six hits while walking three and striking out nine. It’s clear to see how he was taxed so early as he allowed nine guys on base through five innings but was able to wiggle off the hook with the strikeout ball. Thanks to a Starlin Castro home run, Samardzija was off the hook for the loss and settled for a no decision. The Cubs pen came in and did a tremendous job. Manny Corpas, James Russell, and Shawn Camp shut down the Marlins the rest of the way and gave the Cubs offense a chance to come through late. That’s exactly what they did as Geovany Soto bounced a base hit over Hanley Ramirez to give the Cubs a 2-1 lead in the seventh. Darwin Barney, Luis Valbuena, and Jeff Baker all followed with hits, the big blow being a pinch hit two-run double from Baker to give the Cubs a 5-1 lead. Mother Nature remembered that she had a job to do in the 8th inning as the skies opened up and let Wrigleyville have it. Play was stopped with one out in the top of the 8th with one runner on for the Marlins, and that’s where it would end, with the Cubs taking the rain shortened affair 5-1. Full box score and highlights after the jump.
Game Highlights:
DeJesus Sac Fly
Baker’s Big Two-Run Double
Soto Gives the Cubs the Lead
Castro Ties the Game With a HR
Thanks for reading,
– George
Born on Third 