The Cubs lost control of their own destiny by losing 8-5 to the Braves. The
good news is that the Cubs are assured a playoff spot, Earl's coming back, and
our luck is due to change.
Eddie Murray's box score was a mere 1-4 but he smoked two more balls for
outs. That has been Eddie's luck for the last 4 weeks now. For the second
consecutive week the Cubs hit many balls hard but right at people. The Braves
hard hits found gaps but the Cubs didn't. Dan Gould had another great day
in the leadoff spot going 2-3 with a walk. Bob Zeleznik played his second
game of the season and also went 2-3. Chris Greig and Tom Barnes both delivered
big 2 run singles in the first inning when the Cubs scored 4 runs. Andy Luckhardt
scored the other Cubs run from second base on a bunt! With two outs Dan Gould
dropped down a bunt towards the mound that the catcher came out and almost
made a beautiful diving throw to first. Dan beat the throw and Andy alertly
rounded third and went home when no Brave covered the plate.
Defense has not been very solid the last couple weeks. Several botched plays
led to Brave runs in this one as the Cubs let the Braves back into the game.
One nice play was turned in on a double play, Shaver to Fontecchio to Greig.
Eddie Murray did a nice job catching the first 6 innings. He also picked a
runner off first in the first inning!
The next game is against the Brewers. This is a game the Cubs need to win
to get back to their winning ways and get some momentum for the playoffs. If
the Cubs win and the Phillies beat the Braves next weekend then there will be
a three way tie for first in the National League at 11-7 (assuming the Phillies
won against the Cards today)! In that scenario, I believe the Cubs are the
first place team due to the tie breaking system.