Cubs 7 Pirates 2

It's hard to be upset about losing this one because we did nothing to win it in the first place. I mean, I assumed that we were going to win after Rich Hill hit Jack Wilson with a throw to first base and Ronny Cedeno made his millionth error of the season trying to throw Jack Wilson out at the plate because that's how the Bucs/Cubs games have gone lately. Instead, Dave Littlefield's worst nightmare came through tonight. His precious bullpen absolutely melted down. Actually, that isn't entirely accurate. Jose Castillo didn't cover first on a bunt, Matt Capps tripped while covering a bunt, Freddy Sanchez dropped an easy grounder, and Ronnie Paulino halfheartedly shrugged as if to say "Eh, who cares" after failing to throw a Cub out at second. That and Capps' predilection towards throwing strikes lead to a grooved pitch that Derek Lee hit into the bleachers with the bases loaded.

Zach Duke pitched very effectively tonight, going seven innings and only allowing 6 hits and one unearned run. Not surprisingly, his effective started was marked by zero walks to go with his three strikeouts. Rich Hill was even better, though, striking out 11 in his 7 and 1/3. I suppose we shouldn't be surprised, he struck out 9 of the Pirates in his last start on August 6th. In his other recent starts he K'd 6,2,6,3,2,6,1,2, and 4. That's why we're back in last place with no one to blame but ourselves.