The Cubs ended a nice winning streak by getting knocked around a bit in Philadelphia. They managed to take the third game on Sunday to avoid the sweep. It was another extra-inning affair for the Cubs, who have gotten a heavy load of innings this road trip.
They remain above .500 and clustered with the rest of the NL Central. The big dark cloud that I saw forming in the back of my mind was the worry that this team just isn't going to put it together when facing star pitchers and talented ball clubs. It was the end of a long trip, in front of a hostile Philly crowd, where the Cubs have not fared well lately, so I don't want to make too much of it. However, I watched Big Z have a meltdown Friday, the Cubs get manhandled by Hamels on Saturday and saw a good starting performance go by the wayside on Sunday. It was nice to see them come out of it ahead Sunday, but I give Chase Utley a lot of credit for that due to his awful throw to let Zambrano reach safely on a weak pinch-hit grounder. I'll give Big Z credit for hustling to first, at least.
I think the bats are not too bad off. I see batters taking some pitches and working counts, they just haven't been seeing the ball drop out in the field. The pitching has been adventuresome, to put it mildly.
The Cubs face Cincy and Pittsburgh at home now, which will hopefully get them looking smooth again.
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