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.

This episode is recorded live on location at beautiful Victory Field in Indianapolis, Indiana. The last place Indianapolis Indians (Pirates’ affiliate) hosted the division leading Louisville Bats (Reds’ affiliate) as they always do during the holiday weekends.

The Bats had long since clinched the division, so it was hard to imagine that they’d put too much effort into their last series: 4-games against the cellar-dwellers (and that was just in Indy; afterward, they immediately took off for two more games in Louisville). But it was a good time anyway, seeing the Reds and Pirates of the future (and past *cough*Chris Duffy*cough*) defining themselves on the field.

We attended all four games, but only stayed for the duration on Saturday (darn school nights), so this program is the culmination of four days and about 20 innings of baseball spectatorship.

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Boxscore

The Cubs faced their worst string of games over the weekend in a while. Not only did Carlos Zambrano miss a start due to a “tired” arm, but the team lost 3 in a row. Not that their lead in the Central was jeopardized, though. Neither the Brewers nor the Cardinals could capitalize.

Roy Oswalt continued his recent return to his old form. After struggling through the beginning of the year, Oswalt turned in numbers expected of him in August: a 2.97 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 39 innings. For his first start in September, he continued to dominate, shutting out Chicago for his 13th win.

Boxscore

The Cubs allowed 9 runs and committed 3 errors, but still managed to win. Strangely, it’s what’s becoming expected of this aberrational 2008 Chicago team. Of course, it doesn’t hurt when your playing any version of the Pirates for the last 17 years.

Carlos Zambrano started and sucked. Obviously, his head wasn’t in it, as he gave up 6 runs in 4 1/3 innings. His opponent, Ian Snell, wasn’t any better, lasting only 4 innings and giving up 5 runs.

There was plenty of offense in the game, but the star is Geovanny Soto, who drove in 7 runs while going 3 for 5 with a homer. Just think, though, if his team hadn’t scored at least 3 more runs, his offensive explosion would have been for naught. Isn’t he lucky he plays for the 2008 Cubs?

Chicago’s on a roll again, having won their 4th straight and increased their record to 32 games over .500. The Pirates fell to last place again, thanks to an unexpected win from Cincinnati.

Boxscore

While watching a team as sucktastic as the Reds, one must search to find game events to take pleasure in. (And no, fantasizing about “manager” Dusty Baker being fired, as he has worked so hard on showing he deserves, doesn’t count.)

Today, I reached a new low. When I looked at the box score, my eyes lit up and I laughed. For the mighty, the ineffectual, the recipient of Dusty’s man-crush, Corey Patterson, had drawn a walk.

Let us lift our glasses in a toast to this unaccomplished “baseball player.” For he has achieved something remarkable, something that most players do dozens of times in a year. CPat just got his 12th walk. Along with his hit, he raised his Not Out Percentage to 23%. Well, done, CPat. Well, done.

Oh, the Reds lost. Zambrano was pitching for the Cubs. Was there any other possible outcome?