Okay, so I guess the Cubs can handle top of the rotation lefty’s, and have troubles with the mediocre ones. It sure does seem that way as the Cubs have been horrible against left-handed pitchers all year, but have now beaten Johan Santana for the second time in just under two weeks. Tonight was much different from the first game against Santana as the Cubs hit Santana all over the field. Things got started just a couple of pitches into the game
with Reed Johnson launching a lead-off home run that went a long way to give the Cubs a 1-0 lead. The Mets bounced right back, scoring a single run in the 2nd and 3rd to take a 2-1 lead. The Cubs were able to tie the game in the fourth inning and then blew the game wide open. The first two guys reached in the 5th inning setting the stage for Anthony Rizzo, and he delivered. Santana threw a get me over slider and Rizzo made him pay, crushing the ball over the right center field fence to give the Cubs a 5-2 lead. Another huge clutch hit from Rizzo, it’s awesome to see him make such an impact so quickly.
It looked like the Cubs would run away with this one, but you can never assume that when Carlos Marmol is on your roster. Leading 8-4 heading to the bottom of the ninth Carlos Marmol entered the game, and Cubs fans everywhere didn’t breathe for about twenty minutes. Marmol got the first out easy enough, then gave up a solo home run and things got worse from there. Three straight walks and a single later and the Mets closed the gap to one with runners on first and second and only one out with Lucas Duda coming up. Just when it looked like all hope was lost for Marmol and the Cubs they got a break. Duda hit a soft liner back to the mound and Marmol snagged it and easily doubled the runner off of first to end the game, Cubs win 8-7, exhale. Anthony Rizzo and Reed Johnson were the stars at the plate as the Cubs had a few of them as they pounded out 18 hits. Rizzo finished 4-for-5 with his fourth home run of the season and three RBI’s. Reed Johnson just missed the cycle, falling a triple short, he finished 4-for-6 in the win. Lost in all the offense was Travis Wood, who won his fourth straight decision. Wood went six innings allowing three runs, two earned while walking four and striking out three. Wood improved to 4-3 on the season, full box score and highlights after the jump.
Born on Third 