Cubs Let Game Slip Away Against Houston

Bullpen BrianMay 17, 2009

The Cubs let this one slip away. Not enough hitting and another poor bullpen outing trashed what should have been an undefeated home stand.

However, despite the rough fourth inning, Rich Harden pitched well enough for the win. Yet, for whatever reasons, Harden isn’t throwing well at Wrigley. At home he’s 2-2 with a 6-plus ERA. Why so bad?

Ascanio hit two batters and both came around to score the eventual game-winning runs.

Cotts walked another batter. What’s his purpose in the pen if he can’t throw strikes?

What has happened to Mike Fontenot lately?

The little man is hitless in his last five games. He went 0-for-12 on the home stand. In his last nine games he’s 1-for-29.

Fontenot gets overlooked since the big boys are struggling.

Speaking of which, it’s been a while since Derrek Lee was the Cubs’ player of the game. Yes, I’m thrilled he put together a four-hit day, but this is what you expect from the cleanup hitter.

Cubs fans have been wondering if Theriot’s power surge would be short lived, but it hasn’t been. Ten of his last 14 hits have been for extra bases. That’s huge! As I’ve pointed out before, The Riot is hitting with purpose!

We don’t talk about it, but Kosuke Fukudome is quietly hitting .333. He’s also collected at least two hits in five of his last seven games, and he’s reached base safely in 10 straight. He’s the best hitter in the lineup right now!

You put this game into perspective by looking at the big picture. It’s a 4-1 home stand. The starting pitching has been terrific.

Milton is back in the lineup, and Lee said his timing is back at the dish. The Cubs climbed from fourth to second place in the NL Central.

I’ll gladly sign up for another four wins on the road trip through St. Louis and San Diego.