Boxscore

Remember in the middle of April when Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman erupted at Cubs fans who threw more than a dozen balls onto the field for no reason? Lots of Cubs fans took his comments very personally, getting quite offended and protesting Marty’s characterization. Well, all except a few who didn’t get the memo about the need to clean up their image during yesterday’s game.

In the bottom of the sixth on a ball hit to Ryan Braun in left field, Cubs’ “fans” threw food and drinks in Braun’s direction while he was making a throw into the infield. Typical Wrigley Field drunks, I guess. You are a classless bunch with no respect for the game or players.

It only got better from there, as the Cubs (17-11) sent out “closer” Kerry Wood (2-1) to finish the game and get Carlos Zambrano the win. Unfortunately, Wood blew his third save in seven chances and let the Cubs lose their second series to the Brewers (16-12).

With Wood doing his best Eric Gagne (S 9) impression, you would think Gagne would try to one-up him, but no. Gagne finished the 9th without problems, getting the save and giving the win to Brian Shouse (2-0).

This blown win for the Cubs happened on Alfonso Soriano’s first game back from the DL. How’d he do? Like he has so far this season whenever he’s played: terrible. Soriano went 0-4, lowering his average to .164. Your Chicago Cubs leadoff hitter, ladies and gentlemen! (I realize it’s a small sample size, but Soriano’s timing is obviously off, so why not put him in a less important lineup slot while he works things out?)

The Cubs now leave home to travel to the Cardinals and the latest fight for first place, sending Rich Hill against Adam Wainwright at 8:15pm EDT. Will the Cubs figure out new and entertaining ways to choke? Or just use the same old ways?

The Brewers go to Houston where Carlos Villanueva will face Roy Oswalt at 8:05pm EDT.

Boxscore

The Cubs (17-10) worked their hardest to make sure they will score more runs than the Brewers (15-12) even if they do end up losing the three-game series. (And that’s saying something, with 24 total runs this game and 17 in the first, this series hasn’t showcased what one would call “good” pitching.)

Jeff Suppan (1-1) was the proverbial batting tee today, allowing 11 runs (8 earned) in not-quite 4 innings. You know what that’s not? A quality start. His pitching opponent, Ryan Dempster (4-0), managed to do the opposite of that. By the time the Cubs bullpen appeared, the Brewers had pretty much given up, and I can’t blame them.

The two teams close out their series today at 2:20pm EDT. Yovani Gallardo for the Brewers and Carlos Zambrano for the Cubs.

Boxscore

In a move surprising no one who trusts my predictions, the Reds (12-17) dropped the final game of their series with the Cardinals (18-11).

Aaron Harang (1-4) quality started himself to a loss thanks to his usual lack of run support this year. I remember that afflicting Bronson Arroyo last year, and it looks like Arroyo passed it on to Harang. By that logic, Harang will suck next year.

Braden Looper (4-1) was slightly better than Harang and possessing the better offense, for the win. Jason Isringhausen (S 9) got his ninth save.

Both teams take May Day off before starting new series on Friday. The Reds sail to Atlanta, trying desperately to right their ship, not realizing it’s already sunk. The Cardinals stay home to face in-division rival the Cubs. The latter series should be fun to watch this weekend.

Boxscore

The Pirates (11-16) made short work of the pitcher they stupidly traded away to the Mets (14-12).

Oliver Perez (2-2) lost the game, allowing 7 runs, but only 2 of them earned, in 1 and 2/3 innings. Wow. Way to pick up your pitcher, defense. The Pirates took advantage of downright terrible Mets defense and rolled to an easy win behind Tom Gorzelanny (2-3).

That’s such a weird sentence to write. “The Pirates…rolled to an easy win.” It’ll take some time to get over that.

Pittsburgh travels to our nation’s capitol next where Zach Duke will battle Odalis Perez at 7:10pm EDT.

About three weeks ago, The Crack Technical Staff and I recorded a joint podcast with the guys from The Astrocast, live on location in Houston, Texas. With all that testosterone in the room, this one is longer than normal, coming in at a little over an hour of baseball hilarity.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download