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Cubs Mon Apr 11 2011
Missed Opportunities Doom Cubs
The Cubs missed out on a chance to take two out of three in Milwaukee on Sunday afternoon. Leaving nine runners on base, some in consecutive innings, isn't going to win you many ball games.
The game started off favorably for the Cubbies as they took an early 2-0 lead on an Aramis Ramirez two-run double. The game went back and forth all afternoon. The Cubs would take the lead and then the Brewers would tie it.
With Randy Wells on the disabled list with a right forearm strain, the Cubs called on Casey Coleman to fill in. Coleman went five innings giving up nine hits, which resulted in four earned runs. For the most part he kept his team in the ball game and gave them a chance to win; however, the offense failed to come through several times.
They took the lead late on a bases-loaded fielder's choice by Tyler Colvin. That lead would be short-lived as the Cubs bullpen gave it away in the bottom of the eighth. Kerry Wood served up a go-ahead two-run homer to ex-Cub Casey McGehee, resulting in a 6-5 loss.
While it is easy to blame Wood for not doing his part to shut down the Brewers in his inning of work, this loss falls squarely on the offense. You can't expect to beat Milwaukee or any good team when you don't drive runners in. The Cubs got to Yovani Gallardo early and could've taken him out of the game, but they just couldn't get that clutch hit when it mattered most.
This loss hurts, but now the road trip turns to Houston, where the Cubs have to find a way to take at least two of three. The 2-7 Astros are one of the teams they should -- nay must -- beat if they are going to contend. It's just that simple. At 4-5, the Cubs need to take advantage of this last-place team.
