Thursday
Fun game of checkers as the Cubs lost yesterday 5-4. Manager Dale Sveum sent Carlos Villaneuva, who did not have a great game and who is almost never effective past the sixth inning, back out to start the 7th leading 4-3. Villaneuva promptly walks the #8 hitter. Cardinals manager Mike Matheny then sends out Descalso to hit for the pitcher. No problem there. Villaneuva is for some reason still in the game and goes to 3-2 against Descalso (Career .239 2013 – .172). Matheny then sends the runner on a hit & run that ends in a double play. Sveum finally removes Villaneuva after this gift and wisely brings in LOOGY James Russell to pitch to the lefty Matt Carpenter. Carpenter hits a double turned into a triple on an error with Carlos Beltran coming up. Sveum leaves Russell, who should never, ever face a quality right handed batter, in to face Beltran, who promptly singles in the tying run.
Sampdoria drew Catania 1-1 with 20 shots on goal but only six on target. Catania scored on their only shot of the game to earn a point. Such is life in low scoring sports.
One play so far today on the Mets (Gee) -113 at home to Pittsburgh (Locke). Leans on Colorado, Washington and TB/Toronto U7 with updates per usual.
