Pitching, Defense Fail Cubs as They Fall to Astros 12-7

Memorial Day provided the kind of weather the Chicago Cubs were hoping for in the first match of their three-game series against the Houston Astros. It was warm -- perfect for the Chicago hitters. Unfortunately, it was Houston that sent four balls over the fence, taking the game 12-7.

Alex Ruppenthal has posted an article at the MLB.com website titled "Lopez's Cubs debut spoiled by homers in loss."

The Cubs have had unbelievably bad luck with injuries, and the pitching rotation hasn't escaped. As a result, Rodrigo Lopez made his pitching debut as a Cub having been obtained from the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately, he gave up six earned runs and 10 hits in just 4 2/3 innings.

The rest of the Cubs pitchers who appeared in the game didn't do much better. They collectively gave up four home runs and allowed 12 runs.

For Chicago, the losing pitcher was Jeff Samardzija (3-1, ERA 3.90). The winning pitcher was Sergio Escalona (1-0, ERA 3.39).

While Houston took an early lead in the top of the first inning with two runs, the Cubs battled back to lead until the Astros tied the game at six runs apiece in the top of the fifth. In the sixth, Houston jumped ahead by a run and took control from there, scoring five more.

In addition to the disappointing pitching, Chicago's defense was poor. The team made three errors, and the overall play was lethargic.

Geovany Soto returned to the lineup for the first time since coming off of the disabled list and was promptly hit with a pitch on his hand. The extent of the "hit" is not known -- Chicago manager Mike Quade would not comment on it.

It was no mystery why Quade did not want to discuss injuries. According to Ruppenthal's report, Alfonso Soriano had to leave the game in the first inning "due to a strained left quadriceps."

The injuries continue to mount for the Cubs. After two more games with Houston, they go on a tough 10-day road trip that includes three games with the St. Louis Cardinals, three games with the Cincinnati Reds and four games with the Philadelphia Phillies. All three of these teams are leaders in their respective divisions, running first place, third place and first place respectively.

I think Cubs fans have to agree that things are not going well.

References:

MLB.com Website, Alex Ruppenthal, "Lopez's Cubs debut spoiled by homers in loss"

MLB.com Website, "Sergio Escalona Statistics"

MLB.com Website, "Jeff Samardzija Statistics"