SB Nation Chicago - Cubs Take First Of Doubleheader In Extras 2-1, Second Game Comeback Falls Shorthttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2011-04-21T00:29:17-05:00http://chicago.sbnation.com/rss/stream/18865822011-04-21T00:29:17-05:002011-04-21T00:29:17-05:00Despite Loss, Cubs Now Atop NL Central
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<p>Perhaps it’s a reflection of the sorry state of the NL Central division to start the 2011 season, but the 9-9 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> are now tied for first atop the division, despite splitting their day-night doubleheader against San Diego.</p>
<p>After winning the first game in twelve innings, the Cubs turned to spot starter <span>James Russell</span> to try to sweep the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">Padres</a>. Unfortunately, Russell managed to only go four innings, giving up three home runs in the process. After the score was 4-0 he was pulled for the bullpen.</p>
<p>The Cubs had a parade of base hits in the fifth inning to pull within 4-2. <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> hit a two run homer in the eighth inning to pull the Cubs within one, but they just couldn’t get over the hump. <span>Heath Bell</span> closed out the game and grabbed his fifth save of the season.</p>
<p>Thursday brings a much needed off-day for the team, and then the weekend starts a home series against the Dodges with a first pitch at 1:20 P.M. on Friday the 22nd.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/4/21/2124269/despite-loss-cubs-now-atop-nl-centralHilary Lee2011-04-20T18:00:21-05:002011-04-20T18:00:21-05:00Reed Johnson Solo HR Wins It In 12th
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<p>As if there wasn’t enough baseball being played at Wrigley Field on Wednesday, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Chicago Cubs</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a> took the first game of their split doubleheader to extras.</p>
<p><span>Matt Garza</span> started for the Cubs and had a solid outing, throwing six innings and giving up six hits and three walks. He also struck out nine. Garza gave up no runs, but was still denied the W when <span>Carlos Marmol</span> blew his save chance and allowed the tying run to score in the top of the 9th. Three innings later, <span>Reed Johnson</span> hit a solo walk off home run off of <span>Luke Gregerson</span> to win the game.</p>
<p>The Cubs will send <span>James Russell</span> to the mound in the evening tilt in his second ever major league start. In his first start at Houston, Russell lasted just 1.2 innings, while giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits. He’ll try to improve upon that outing as the Cubs go for a clean sweep of the Padres.</p>
<p>Opposing him for the Padres will be <span>Aaron Harang</span>. Harang has had a great start to the year, going 3-0 with a 1.50 <span class="caps">ERA</span> and 0.94 <span class="caps">WHIP</span>. In his career against the Cubs, Harang is 10-8 with a 4.51 <span class="caps">ERA</span> and 1.28 <span class="caps">WHIP</span>. <span>Marlon Byrd</span> has hit Harang well, posting a .417 average 1.128 <span class="caps">OPS</span> against him, while <span>Aramis Ramirez</span> has taken Harang deep four times in his career.</p>
<p>The weather in Chicago is forecast to stay cloudy with a low of 34 degrees. First pitch is at 6:05 P.M., <span class="caps">CDT</span>, and the game will be televised on CSN+.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/4/20/2123614/reed-johnson-solo-hr-wins-it-in-12thHilary Lee2011-04-20T10:04:36-05:002011-04-20T10:04:36-05:00Cubs And Padres Play Two In Split Doubleheader
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<p>After strong rain showers and frigid temperatures blanketed the Chicago area on Tuesday night, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> were forced to reschedule their second game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.gaslampball.com/">San Diego Padres</a>. Because the Padres will not return to Wrigley Field this season, and because the teams have no mutually convenient off dates, the game was rescheduled as the second half of a day-night doubleheader on Wednesday. Tickets from the postponed game on Tuesday evening will be good for admission to Wednesday night's game, with first pitch scheduled at 6:05 P.M.</p>
<p>Wednesday's first game will be the originally scheduled match-up. In the first game, the Cubs will send <span>Matt Garza</span> to the hill, still in search of his first win with the team. On the year thus far, Garza is 0-2 with a 6.27 ERA and 1.71 WHIP. He started the season well, striking out twelve batters and giving up just three runs in seven innings, but since then has suffered a pair of five run disasters against Colorado and Milwaukee. Garza has pitched against San Diego once before. In that game he went eight innings, giving up three runs on six hits, while striking out five. Few Padres have experience against Garza, with only the struggling <span>Will Venable</span> hitting him well, going 2-for-3 against him when they last met.</p>
<p>The Padres will turn to <span>Dustin Moseley</span> on Wednesday afternoon. Moseley, in his first year with San Diego, is currently 0-3 despite having only a 1.83 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. He's never pitched against the Cubs.</p>
<p>Weather in Chicago for the afternoon game is forecast to be cloudy and windy, with a high temperature in the mid-40s. First pitch is at 1:20 P.M., CDT, and the game will be televised on CSN.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2011/4/20/2333852/cubs-and-padres-play-two-in-split-doubleheaderHilary Lee