Boxscore

Sure Ryan Dempster had only one bad inning. Sure there was just one pitch he would like to do over. But when I saw Hunter Pence drive one deep with the bases loaded, I couldn’t help but smile.

Things don’t seem right with the world when Dempster pitches well. Earthquakes, famines, long lines for gas–all those things because Dempster hasn’t been Dumpster so far this year. Okay, the latter wasn’t his fault. The two-mile long line for gas I saw on my drive home was thanks to a radio station having a gas sale. The savings? 88¢. And people were waiting in line with their cars running. *cough*morons*cough*

Anyway, back to the game. Pence’s grand slam was all that the Astros would score, but that’s all they needed. Chris Sampson scattered hits around, but pitched into the seventh allowing just two runs. The bullpen took over, and Jose Valverde turned in another lights out performance for the save. Ever since a game in April where he completely sucked, he made an adjustment and has been one of the best closers in the league. Good for him.

The two play again tonight when the Cubs send Sean Gallagher against Shawn Chacon at 8:05pm EDT.