Hang on, let me put my diphibulator away…

Another game in which that bats just really could not get going. The Cubs score three runs but two are unearned. In the top of the fifth the scoring went as so; walk, error, walk, walk, fielder’s choice. Two runs without the benefit of a hit. The good news is that most of the Cubs are being patient and taking pitches, something that can be difficult when you are struggling to score runs.

In the next inning the Cubs showed some signs of emerging from the black cloud that is this slump. DeRosa starts the inning with a double off the right field wall. I hate to slam DeRosa, being a fellow MLBlogger of the Pulse, but it appears he’s a bit too anxious at the plate lately. Until his a bat in the fifth Mark had not taken a pitch and his swings are long and choppy. That said DeRosa was the first Cub to get a multi-base hit in over a game and a half. Lil’ Babe comes up next and with a pretty swing slams it to right and DeRosa scores. That was it, the only earned run.

As far as pitching, Harden looked great again giving up two runs, one walk and striking out three.

Samardzija quickly retired the first two in the seventh before, this series’ Cubs killer, Izturis stroked a line shot to left for a single. Schumaker lined out to DeRosa in right and the book is closed on Samardzija.

Marmol gave up a couple of well hit balls, but thanks to the defense both men were retired. The mighty Pujols, hit a line drive to left and is robbed by Soriano with a diving shoestring catch. Soriano was able to get up throw to first and just missed doubling up Miles. One batter later Lopez hits a high fly to right that has Fukudome drifting back, back, back then leaping up, slamming into the fence and making the catch. Marmol would get out of the inning without a run scoring.

Wood would get me charging my diphibulator just to make sure it was ready. It was almost needed. First batter, Ryan with a 1-0 count, gets a double on a line drive to right, and the tying run is in scoring position. Next up, current Cub killer, Izturis squares to bunt and on the first pitch pushes it hard toward Lee who scoops it up and without hesitation goes to third. Ramirez is late with the tag but when Ryan over slides the bag Ramirez applies it for out number one. Schumaker singles and Izturis goes to second. Diphibulator check, all’s good. Wood gets Miles out on three strikes. Pujols steps to the plate. Re-read the diphibulator directions and give it a dry run, praying that if needed I will somehow be able to self administer. First two pitches are outside and inside respectively for balls, 2-0 count. Grab diphibulator pads and tape them to my chest. Next two pitches, Wood stays inside, one called strike, next one fouled off. Hand on diphibulator “Charge” and await next pitch. Wood goes back inside with a 97 mph fastball, Pujols swings…and pops out to DeRosa.

Quickly remove tapped pads off my chest while wondering if I can make it to the end of the season. Next Century Is Here.