With Cubs, 8 is not enough

Image Courtesy of Bing

The Cubs desperately needed to get off to a hot start in the second half of the season. They did. Ben Zobrist led off the game with a double down the left line. It was reminiscent of his game 7 double. After a Kris Bryant ground out, Anthony Rizzo poked a single to left field to put runners on first and third. Willson Contreras followed with a long home run to left center. Kyle Schwarber followed that with a homer to left to put the Cubs up 4-0. That's a fast start.

Ben Zobrist and Jason Heyward added homers, the Cubs were up 8-0 and all was right in the Cubs world. However, this 2017, not 2016, so things got dicey.

The new reality

A combination of Mike Montgomery's not being able to get thru the 5^th and Justin Grimm's poor outing made what should have been an easy win into a nail biter. Wellington Castillo homered in the 3^rd to make it 8-1. The Orioles put up another run in the 4^th before adding 4 in the 5^th off Montgomery and Grimm.

The Orioles came all the way back when Mike Trumbo tied the game in the 8^th with a two home run off Koji Uehara. Ah yes, it reminded me of the Cubs I grew up with. But these aren't the same Cubs. At least I hope they're not.

2016 flashback

Addison Russell homered with one out in the 9^th and Wade Davis came on in the bottom of the 9^th and had a 1-2-3 inning. It kind of reminded me of the 7^th game of the World Series. I came away with some distinct impression after the game.

What does it mean, oh wise one?

Mike Montgomery belongs in the bullpen, not the starting rotation. He's just better there. He also gives the Cubs a guy that can go two or three innings in relief. Justin Grimm isn't that guy. Maybe Montgomery could go back to piggy backing Eddie Butler starts. The Cubs looked crisp in the field for a change. Javy Baez made a great play at second, Jayson Heyward made an outstanding play on a foul ball in the right field corner. Kris Bryant also made a excellent play on a ball down the third base line.

Jason Heyward looked good at the plate. His home run went into the street beyond the right field wall at Camden Yards. He also lined a double over the head of Orioles center fielder, Adam Jones. He played up to his contract. Kyle Schwarber's homer went to left center field. That's another good sign. Addison Russell looked confident in the field and besides his game winning homer, had a line drive double to right.

Ben Zobrist looked good in the lead off slot. I hope Joe keeps him there. I also hope he plugs Russell in at short and Baez at second at lets them play. I think it''ll stabilize the Cubs defense. Tonight's win also highlights how much the Cubs needed (and may still need) starting pitching. One more starter would be nice.

Meanwhile, in the baddest part of town (for now)

Meanwhile, on the south side, the White Sox lost to the Mariners by a score of 4-2. It's a pretty basic story line, James Shields wasn't terrible as the Sox starter, but Robinson Canoe got to him for a three run homer and that was pretty much it.

Avisail Garcia had a couple of hits and scored both Sox runs. Tyler Saladino, back after a rehab assignment, had a double and an RBI, as did Matt Davidson. Now we can check the Sox minor league report.

Where's Rajon now?

Rajon Rondo talked to the New Orleans Pelicans. It would be interesting to see him play with DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis. Of course Rondo played with Cousins in Sacramento with less than dazzling results. I would think that the New Orleans coaching job could be somewhat stressful.

The Lakers are also reportedly interested in Rondo as a backup for Lorenzo Ball. I haven't paid much attention to Ball, but he's tearing it up in the summer league. That in itself doesn't mean anything, but I'm impressed by the way he distributes the ball. Lakers basket ball should be a lot more fun to watch this year.

More next time.