Blame Hitting, Not Fontenot

The fear Chicago won’t turn the corner offensively feels real.

It’s not that the scoring opportunities haven’t been there. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Through two games this series Chicago is hitting 0-for-17 with RISP.

Three times Saturday, the Cubs lead off an inning with a double: none scored.

In the last four games, Chicago’s starters have pitched brilliantly: no pitcher allowing more than two earned runs.

Yet, the Cubs are 4-2 on the road, and still hovering in fourth place in the Central.

Not scoring also exposes the Cubs’ weaknesses defensively. It’s easy to blame the loss on Fontenot’s two fielding miscues, but a single clutch hit prevents the little man from having to make a game saving play at third.

Not sure playing Fox over Fontenot at third works any better in the Cubs’ favor, either.

So, which would you rather have: a poor clutch hitting Fontenot or poor fielding Jake Fox?

Sunday’s game is big. Win and the Cubs leap frog the Reds in to third place. Lose, and it’s off to Houston in fourth place and a .500 record.

• Cubs (27-26) are in fourth place.

• W: Masset (3-0) L: Marshall (3-5)

• Chicago starters lead the majors with 32 quality starts.

• Aaron Miles began his rehab assignment with Triple-A Iowa.

• The Cubs are 6-4 in their last 10 games.

• They’re also 6-18 when committing an error–two more Saturday night.