Shades of 2004

It feels like 2004 all over again.  The Cubs are shooting themselves in the foot, night after night.  This loss in Houston in extra inning was huge.  It couldn’t have been any bigger.  Jason Marquis couldn’t hold a 4-1 lead, the Cubs offense choked big time, Carlos Lee killed us again, and now the Cubs bullpen is in big trouble.  How did the Cubs let this one slip away?  Let’s take a look.

Bottom of the Second-Luke Scott hits a single.  He advances to second on a fielders choice. He moves to third on a wild pitch by Marquis.  Scott score on a pass ball by Jason Kendall.

Bottom of the Fifth-With one out Marquis gives up a double to Humberto Quintero, a single to pinch hitter Jason Lane, and a triple to Hunter Pence, clearing the bases and cutting the Cubs lead to 4-3. 

Bottom of the Sixth- Carlos Lee singles to lead off the inning.Mark Loretta doubles, scoring Lee and tying the game.  Carlos Marmol comes in and gets out of the inning with the game tied at 4.

Top of the Seventh- Derek Lee hits a 3-2 pitch that Lamb makes a leaping grab for, robbing Lee of an extra base hit.  Floyd followed that with a one out single.  Felix Pie came in and pinch ran.  Aramis Ramirez walked, but Mark DeRosa hit into a double play, ending the inning.

Top of the Eighth, Ninth, and Tenth.  Cubs get the lead off man on in each of these innings, sacrifice them to secondfor the first out, and no one scores.  With runners at first and second, Carlos Lee makes the catch of his life to save two runs and end the inning. In the ninth with runners on first and second and one out, DeRosa hits into another double play in the ninth

Top Of The 11th-With one out, Brade Lidge walks Derek Lee and Matt Murton.  Aramis Ramirez hits one to the shortstop and he throws out Murton at second.  Replays show he was safe.  Lidge walks DeRosa, but Jacque Jones flies out to end the threat.

Bottom of the 11th-Astros win.

What’s the bottom line?  The Cubs choked under pressure. I don’t want to hear any whining about Ryan Dempster.  The Cubs offense failed to deliver when they had numerous opportunities.  Every starter reached base, the Cubs had 10 hits, and they only scored 4 runs, three off a DeRosa home run.  They were 1-11 with runners in scoring position. 

Now What?

Marmol and Howry were unbelievable, both pitching two inning.  Dempster did well also pitching two innings.  The Cubs are not going to face Brad Lidge tomorrow, but it doesn’t matter for them.  Can Lou bring back Marmol, Howry, and Dempster tomorrow. 

How many more games can we waste, now that their are only 18 games left?  When, if ever, will this team get on a hot streak. The offense needs to redeem themselves tomorrow, get a bunch of runs, and allow the bullpen to rest.

This one, if we don’t win it, will be the one we remember all winter.  Better bounce back

Go Cubs!