COMMENTARY | The Chicago Cubs are in fifth place in the National League Central, 20 games back of the leaders. It has been a disappointing year for Chicago, beginning with the early-season loss of two starting pitchers. Wednesday’s game was a breather from the season’s poor fortunes as the Cubs took down the Atlanta Braves 3-2 on a nice pitching performance by Randy Wells.
The game was an easily describable affair.
First, Wells pitched into the seventh inning before leaving. AThe Cubs scored first in the bottom of the second inning. Alfonso Soriano smacked a two-run homer. The next batter was Tony Campana, who scored the winning run the way he scores runs — with speed.
The Braves have a second baseman named Dan Uggla. Occasionally Uggla has a problem with his defense. He did against the Cubs, bobbling a grounder which allowed Campana to reach first base. Then the wiry outfielder stole second before third was awarded to him because of a walk. The Cubs’ Wells drove Campana home with a groundout. Yes, it was a manufactured run, but regretfully had we had more of them this year we would be in much better shape.
After Wells left the ballgame the Cubs’ relievers held the Braves to just one run until Carlos Marmol came in and recorded his 30th save. This is his second 30-save season in a row.
And that is the story. That is, except for the fact that Randy Wells has been making a comeback and it has been very much an emotional as physical one.
Sam Zuba of MLB.com reports Wells got some advice from an undisclosed teammate who apparently was stern with him. After Wells was on the disabled list for two months, he gave up a season-high six earned runs in an Aug. 7 game, prompting the lecture.
As a result, since that time Wells is 2-0 with an ERA of 3.37.
There is no question that Wells is back. However, that doesn’t mean the Cubs are. It seems every time a player gets healthy another one goes down. Teams that are going to be champions must find a way to overcome that syndrome.
Reference:
MLB.com Website, Sam Zuba, “With early support, Wells mows down Braves”