The Chicago Cubs almost tied up the game in the top of the ninth inning as Reed Johnson bunted with two outs and Kosuke Fukudome on third base.  However, Rays stud third basemen Evan Longoria bare handed the ball and bounced it to first base where Willy Aybar snagged it to secure the victory.

The Cubs had scored one run earlier in the ninth on a passed ball to make the game 3-2. They had a chance to score another run on another wild pitch but Fukudome decided to stay at third base which was probably the correct choice.

Neal Cotts took the loss for the Cubs as he gave up the game winning home run to Longoria in the game.  It seems that Cotts always gives up at least one run in the game every time he pitches.  Does it seem that way to you?

The Cubs will have their ace Carlos Zambrano on the mound on Wednesday night so I expect them to get a victory and even the series at 1-1.

Cubs Blog