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Cubs Sat May 08 2010
Cubs Rookie Castro Dictates 14-7 Win
It became apparent after being swept the hapless Pirates that the Cubs offense needed a spark. That spark came in the form of 20-year-old rookie shortstop Starlin Castro and he didn't waste any time making his presence felt. In his first major league at-bat Castro hit a three-run homer. His home run appeared awaken the slumbering offense. Castro would also have a three-run triple in his third at-bat. He set an RBI record with 6 total runs batted in, which is now the most by any one in their first major league game.
Marlon Byrd contributed with a two-run homer and Mike Fontenot would put the game out of reach in the eighth with a pinch-hit grand slam. Carlos Silva did his best to keep the Reds off the board. He was hit hard, however, of those 10 hits only four produced runs. He lasted only five innings, but it was good enough for a win.
The bullpen did their job and it wasn't until the ninth where things became a little dicey with John Grabow giving up three runs late, but at that point it didn't even matter as the damage had been done.
Upon first hearing of Castro's promotion it across as an overreaction to the team being swept by Pittsburgh, but in retrospect it was the complete opposite. Bringing him up served its purpose. He scored almost half of their runs last night and definitely brought some life to a struggling offense. There is no guarantee he will do this every single night, nor should that be expected of him. However he is going to produce there is no question about that. This kid is the real deal. It will be interesting to see how long it takes the rest of the league to figure him out.
If Castro can maintain some consistency the rest of the season the Cubs will be in good shape. Despite the victory Aramis Ramirez continues to struggle. Ramirez did show some signs of life last night, he hit a soft single and plated two runs in three at-bats. The owner of Bleedcubbieblue.com suggested that maybe Ramirez needs to get his eyes check. That thought didnt occur to me, but it does make some sense.
They continue this three game series tonight as Tom Gorzelanny (1-3, 2.48 ) who got his first win last time out takes on Cinncy's Aaron Harang (1-4, 6.68). Game time is 6:05 p.m. CT. Comcast Sports Net will have it on the TV side and as always they are on WGN Radio 720 AM.
