Game 76 Recap-
The Chicago Cubs jumped on Baltimore spot starter RH Matt Albers(3-3,3.49) for 4 early runs and that was more than enough as they posted a 7-4 victory.Albers took the ball because scheduled starter, LH Brian Burres(6-5,5.24) was scratched pre game due to a stomach ailment. Rookie C Geovany Soto had 3 rbi and early season acquisition CF Jim Edmonds homered for the Cubs.
Chicago starter, LH Ted Lilly(8-5,4.74) pitched a strong 7 innings, allowing 5 hits & 4 runs with 2 walks and 4 Ks. His only mistakes occured when CF Jay Payton came to the plate, as the platoon player took him deep twice with a runner on. The Cubs scored 4 big runs in the 1st on 3 rbi hits from 3b Aramis Ramirez, Soto(2 run) and RF Mark DeRosa.
In the Os 2nd, Payton hit his 1st homer with C Ramon Hernandez aboard. Edmonds and Soto answered in the bottom of the inning with run producing hits. Payton’s 2nd homer in the 4th with LF Luke Scott aboard made it 6-4 Chicago, Edmonds rounded out the scoring with his solo homer in the home 4th. The power trio of RH Carlos Marmol(21st hold, 2.93) & closer Kerry Wood(20th save,2.50) finished the final 6 outs with 5 Ks and 1 hit allowed!
Star of the Game-
Lilly- If he only did not have to face Jay Payton!
Orioles Notes-
Albers left the game himself after getting 1 out with shoulder pain….Payton and Scott had 2 hits apiece to pace the club which only totaled 6 hits…Hats off to long men RHs Lance Cormier(2.59) & Ryan Bukvich(4.91) for taking the ball and saving the pen with 5 2/3 innings of 3 run ball
Next Game-
Thursday,2:20 Wrigley Field
Baltimore RH Radhames Liz(1-0,6.27) vs Cubs RH Jason Marquis(6-3,4.43)
