Diary of a Chicago Sports Fan

Image Courtesy of Bing

Cubs hopes for an undefeated season are dashed, Hawks lose, and Bull try to make me look bad

Well, the Cubs hopes for a 162-0 season were dashed last night with a 4-3 loss to the St. Louis Cardinals Sunday. Randal Grichuk drove in the game winning run on a drive to the left center field wall with two outs and the bases loaded in the bottom of the 9^th. Grichuk had homered with a man on off Pedro Strop the inning before. I had almost forgotten how Strop getts pounded by the Cardinals.

The Cubs tied the e game at 3-3 when Willson Contreras hit a three run homer for the Cubs in the top of the 9^th off Cardinals closer, Seung-Hwan Oh. Prior to that the Cubs had been handcuffed by Cardinals starter, Carlos Martinez who went 7.1 scoreless innings while striking out 10.

A few things stood out in the game from the Cubs standpoint. Jason Heyward started in center field. That needs to stop. Heyward is okay defensivly in center, but if Joe Maddon must have a left handed hitter in the lineup in the center field slot, make it John Jay. Heyward is obviously a great fielder in right and excellent base runner, but still looks helpless at the plate. Look for Ian Happ to be called and play right field if Heyward doesn't improve.

Jon Lester gave up only one run in five innings, but wore me out just watching him. The Cards had opportunities all night but Lester battled through most of them unscathed. The fact that Lester had a pitch count of 102 in only five innings is indicative of what a struggle it was for Lester. It does look like Lester will be able to work with catcher, Willson Contreras.

Ben Zobrist started in right, but I don't like that much either. Ben's at the point in his career where he needs to back up Baez at second or Schwarber in left and DH in American League cities. I think this will be the strongest Cubs lineup by June:

1. Happ RF
2. Schwarber LF
3. Bryant 3B
4. Rizzo 1B
5. Contreras C
6. Russell SS
7. Baez 2B
8. Almora Jr. CF
9. Pitcher 9 May flip flop with Almora)

Eighth Place or Bust!

I've expected the Bulls to miss the playoffs, but Jimmy Butler and the Butleraires keep trying to prove me wrong. Butler scored 39 points in leading the Bulls to a 117-110 over the New Orleans Pelicans. Rajon Rondon just missed a triple double with 10 points plus 9 assists and 9 rebounds. With D Wade out of the lineup, the Bulls have less talent available but seem to have better chemistry.

Play hard, but don't get hurt

The Blackhawks lost to the Boston Bruins Sunday by a score of 3-2. Artemi Panarin and Jordin Tootoo were Hawks goal scorers. At this point in the NHL season it's hard to get too worked up about a Hawks loss. It's pretty much a countdown to the playoffs and hoping there are no major injuries.

More next time.