SB Nation Chicago - Cubs Rookies Lead Team To Victory Over Mets, 11-1https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2011-05-25T01:00:29-05:00http://chicago.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19517802011-05-25T01:00:29-05:002011-05-25T01:00:29-05:00Dempster Gives Up Just One Run In Start
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<p><span>Ryan Dempster</span> pitched seven innings of one run baseball, and the young bats in the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> lineup took advantage of Jonathon Niese’s struggles for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/">Mets</a> as the Cubs grabbed a victory on the first game of their long homestead.</p>
<p>Dempster gave up just the one run on seven hits over seven innings, while striking out five and walking one. Jonathon Niese, the Mets starter, wasn’t as lucky, giving up six runs (two earned) on seven hits over just five innings pitched. Most of the damage occurred in the second inning, when the Cubs sent ten batters to the plate.</p>
<p>It started with <span>Aramis Ramirez</span> singling to get on base. After Pena made an out, Ramirez was advanced by an <span>Alfonso Soriano</span> single. <span>Lou Montanez</span>, making his debut after being called up to replace the injured <span>Marlon Byrd</span>, then doubled to right field to score Ramirez. A Mets error and <span class="caps">RBI</span> singles by <span>Starlin Castro</span> and <span>Darwin Barney</span> later, and the Cubs found themselves with a 5-0 lead.</p>
<p>The Cubs wouldn’t stop hitting there, though. They continued by tacking on runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings. Castro and Barney both ended the night with two RBIs a piece, while all other members of the starting lineup save <span>Carlos Pena</span> and Ryan Dempster had hits on the evening.</p>
<p>The Cubs will try to win two in a row as they play the second game of the series on Wednesday night. First pitch in that game will be at 7:05 P.M., <span class="caps">CDT</span>.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/5/25/2189086/dempster-gives-up-just-one-run-in-startHilary Lee2011-05-24T11:51:08-05:002011-05-24T11:51:08-05:00Amid Injuries, Cubs Return Home To Face Mets
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<p>The road trip that the <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Cubs</a> returned from on Monday proved to be quite costly for the team. The team's 3-4 record over the trip cost them in the standings, but the trip also cost the team the services of two of the members of their lineup, and potentially one member of the rotation. Outfielder <span>Marlon Byrd</span> was hit in the face with a fastball during the series against the <a href="https://www.overthemonster.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Red Sox</a>, and has been placed on the DL with several fractures in his face. Meanwhile, <span>Jeff Baker</span> was lifted from left field duties during Sunday's game with a strained groin, and <span>Matt Garza</span> had his start skipped after he experienced elbow tightness.</p>
<p>The depleted Cubs team will now limp back to Wrigley to begin one of their longest homesteads of the year, starting with a three game series against the <a href="https://www.amazinavenue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">New York Mets</a>. The first game of the series will see <span>Ryan Dempster</span> take on the Mets' Jonathon Niese.</p>
<p>Dempster, who is 2-4 with a 6.91 ERA and 1.57 WHIP on the season, experienced a bit of a hiccup in his most recent start against the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/mlb/teams/florida-marlins" class="sbn-auto-link">Florida Marlins</a>. Though the Cubs eventually won the game, Dempster gave up five runs on eighth hits over just five innings pitched. Prior to that he had strung together three starts in a row where he had given up two earned runs or fewer. In his career against the Mets, Dempster is 9-5 over 14 starts with a 5.58 ERA and 1.86 WHIP. <span>Carlos Beltran</span> is 6-for-9 against Dempster with one home run.</p>
<p>The Mets will send Jonathon Niese to the mound to counter Dempster. Niese has been a solid starter on the season for the Mets, though he has been prone to a few blowouts. He's currently 3-4 with a 4.39 ERA and 1.41 WHIP. In his career against the Cubs he's 1-1 over three starts with a 6.75 ERA and 2.11 WHIP. <span>Reed Johnson</span> is 2-for-2 against Niese, while <span>Geovany Soto</span> is 2-for-5 with one double and one home run.</p>
<p>The weather in Chicago is expected to be clear and partly cloudy, with a game time temperature in the upper 50's. First pitch is at 7:10 P.M., CDT, and the game will be televised on WGN.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2011/5/24/2335635/amid-injuries-cubs-return-home-to-face-metsHilary Lee