Eight was the lucky number for the Cubs on Saturday night at Fenway Park. The Cubs scored eight runs in the eighth inning to lead them to a 9-3 win over the Boston Red Sox. This was the Cubs first win at Fenway Park since the 1918 World Series.
The first seven innings seemed as though the Red Sox were headed to their eighth win in a row. Boston led 3-1 and everything seemed to be going their way. That was until the eighth inning came around. The Cubs sent twelve men to the plate and with the help of five hits, three walks, and three Boston errors scored eight times to put the game out of reach.
Carlos Zambrano started the game for the Cubs and truly battled during his five and two thirds innings of work. Zambrano threw a season high 122 pitches and received a no decision. Sean Marshall picked up the win and improved to 2-0 on the season.
Matt Albers had a night he would truly like to forget for the Red Sox. Albers started the eighth inning and didn’t record a single out while giving up six runs (five earned) on three hits and two walks. The Red Sox right hander fell to 0-2 on the season.
All was not well for the Cubs on Saturday Night. Marlon Byrd was hit in the face by Red Sox starter Alfredo Aceves. Byrd was taken to the hospital for observations.
The rubber match of the series will take place Sunday night.