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Cubs Sun Apr 11 2010
Big Z Plus Bullpen Equals A 4-3 Cubs Win
After Carlos Zambrano's atrocious start on Opening Day against the Atlanta Braves it left many fans with a sinking feeling of, 'oh no, here we go again'. Flash forward to Saturday afternoon in Cincinnati Zambrano was looking to bounce back. While it looked like it would be a repeat of Monday after Big Z spotted the Reds three runs early, however, he would finish strong and his offense would come to the rescue.
El Toro pitched seven strong innings, gave up six hits, three runs, two walks and struck out nine. Almost like night and day for Z. The offense was home run happy Saturday afternoon. Of course being at the Great American Ballpark didn't hurt either. Kosuke Fukudome got the Cubs on the board with a two-run homer, his first of the season.
Alfonso Soriano tied the game at three all with his first home run of the season as well. The game would remain tied until the eighth when pinch-hitter Jeff Baker launched a solo home run into center field to give the Cubs the lead for good.
While the offense didn't leave as nearly as many runners on as last night, they got the job done nonetheless. Even the bullpen was strong today. John Grabow redeemed himself pitching a drama-free bottom of the eighth. There is only one word to describe Carlos Marmol, filthy. Marmol struck out the side on 13 pitches. He earned his second save of the young season.
Zambrano needed to come out strong and pitch longer than an inning and a third, if not it might be a long season on the North side of town. Granted it is only one game, but it is a positive note for Big Z to build on. For the future success of Zambrano he should not pitch on Opening Day. Outside of the occasional bad start, Z is a quality arm to count on to take the ball every fifth day.
Hopefully Z can take this start into his next one and go on from there. It was good to see Soriano put some lumber on the ball, maybe this will get him started as well. The Cubs wrap up the series in Cincy later on today.
Tom Gorzelanny (0-0) will make his 2010 debut against the Reds Mike Leake (0-0) who is making his big league debut. First pitch is at 12:10 p.m. CT.
