Cubs 5 Pirates 2, winning streak averted

The Cubs pitching staff couldn't throw strikes today. Wood had no control whatsoever and struck out eight through five innings. The Cubs struck out 12 total today and only walked four, which is sad considering the complete lack of control they showed. Craig Wilson honestly looks like he's never batted before. The only person on the whole team that could hit today was Freddy Sanchez. Add that to Jason Bay's weak attempt to throw a runner out at the plate from center field and I think my Freddy Sanchez at second Rob Mackowiak in center was supported well today. Of course knowing Lloyd, he'll leave Jack Wilson on the bench for the next week rather than letting him try and play through his slump.

Dave Williams looked good today except for the stretch in the third where in five batters he gave a homer to Nefi Perez (second of the year and second against us) singles to Lee and Aramis, and a three-run bomb to Burnitz. He certainly pitched well enough to win, but as per the usual this year the team lacked the spark necessary to actually do that. From what I've seen, the Cubs haven't been impressive at all this year, but their bullpen (minus Hawkins yesterday) has been absolutely lights out against us and somehow Nefi Perez is 9-for-14 against us this year. And as much as I like Hill and Sanchez in the lineup every day, seeing Tike Redman and Ty Wigginton come off the bench as pinch hitters doesn't scare anybody except Pirates fans.

ESPN Summary here