SB Nation Chicago - Cubs End Skid At Eight, Take Finale In Cincinnatihttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48877/chicago-fave.png2011-06-08T15:44:59-05:00http://chicago.sbnation.com/rss/stream/19774732011-06-08T15:44:59-05:002011-06-08T15:44:59-05:00Dempster, Cubs Avoid Sweep in Cincinnati
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<p>The odds seemed to be against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/">Cubs</a> prior to Wednesday’s series finale in Cincinnati. They lost eight games in a row, opposing pitcher <span>Bronson Arroyo</span> has owned them recently, and the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.redreporter.com/">Reds</a> were 16-3 in their last 19 games against the Cubs.</p>
<p>To make matters worse, before the game even started their seemed to be some doubt to the availability of starter <span>Ryan Dempster</span>. During warmups something happened to Dempster that required a visit to the bullpen from trainer Ed Halbur and manager Mike Quade. Whatever the issue was, didn’t prevent Dempster from starting which turned out to be great for the Cubs.</p>
<p>Thanks to back-to-back homers by <span>Aramis Ramirez</span> and <span>Carlos Pena</span> and a fantastic outing by Dempster and the bullpen, the Cubs won the series finale and ended their losing streak at eight games.</p>
<p>Dempster (5-5) came through with his best start of the season. The Cubs (24-36) ace went six innings and allowed one run on just three hits. He also struck out eight and walked just one. <span>Kerry Wood</span>, <span>Sean Marshall</span>, and <span>Carlos Marmol</span> each pitched a perfect inning to secure the win. For Marmol it was his 11th save of the season.</p>
<p>Bronson Arroyo pitched ok for the Reds (32-31). Arroyo (4-6) went six and a third and allowed four runs (three earned) on eight hits. This was Arroyo’s only second loss in his last eight starts against the Cubs.</p>
<p>With Wednesday’s victory the Cubs are now 1-5 on their current ten game trip. Things won’t get any easier as they now head to Philadelphia for a four game series.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/chicago-cubs/2011/6/8/2214092/chicago-cubs-cincinnati-reds-ryan-dempster-bronson-arroyo-carlo-marmol-kerry-woodTim Sieck2011-06-08T11:03:02-05:002011-06-08T11:03:02-05:00Cubs Look To Avoid Longest Losing Streak Since 2002
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<p>The <a href="https://www.bleedcubbieblue.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Cubs</a> come in to Wednesday's series finale in Cincinnati looking to end multiple skids. A loss Wednesday would be their ninth in a row and their third time being swept in a row. This would also be the first time the Cubs have been swept in a three game series in Cincinnati in 15 years. </p>
<p><span>Ryan Dempster</span> will take the mound for the Cubs (23-36) in Wednesday's series finale. Dempster hasn't exactly pitched like the ace he was expected to be this season. The right hander comes in with a 4-5 record and an ERA of 6.32. Dempster has the second-highest ERA in the Majors this season. One thing going for Dempster is that he has had success against <a href="https://www.redreporter.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Reds</a> star Joey Votto. Votto does have two home runs against Dempster, but is only hitting .167 in 18 career at-bats.</p>
<p>Cincinnati (32-30) will give the ball to Bronson Arroyo. Arroyo isn't having a great season with a record of 4-5 and an ERA of 5.37. Don't tell that to the Cubs though. In his last seven starts against the Cubs, Arroyo is 4-1 with an ERA of 1.32.</p>
<p>The forecast at the time of first pitch in Wednesday's series finale is temps near 90 degrees under sunny skies. First pitch is scheduled for 11:35 CST. The game can be seen on CSN.</p>
https://chicago.sbnation.com/2011/6/8/2336332/cubs-look-to-avoid-longest-losing-streak-since-2002Tim Sieck