Boxscore

The Reds celebrated elimination day yesterday by showing the world that the rebuilding Pirates are a better team than them. I wish they would have celebrated by firing Dusty Baker, but perhaps the club’s saving that for wild card elimination day next week.

I won’t get my hopes up.

Edinson Volquez wasn’t so good for the Reds, allowing 4 runs in 7 innings. He hasn’t been as good since the All Star break, either. Hopefully it has to do with not ever pitching at this high level of competition before. I’d hate for Cincinnati to have another Jack Armstrong.

Boxscore

The Cubs lost their 5th game in a row and were swept by the Astros, all in the same game. One could jab at the Cubbies for collapsing down the stretch, but it’s not like the Brewers or Cardinals have taken advantage of Chicago’s losses. The Cubs remain 4.5 games in 1st place.

Of course, with Carlos Zambrano facing an MRI and an indeterminate future for the rest of the season and the lack of a pulse from the once-mighty offense, perhaps it is time to worry. After all, if you lose 5 games in a row in the playoffs, you’re toast.