The Chicago Cubs were not able to complete the sweep against the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday as Ted Lilly lost his third game in a row this season. Lilly’s record is now 0-3 on the season and he really needs to turn things around quickly. The Cubs still don’t have a win by a left handed pitcher this year.
Lilly pitched six innings and gave up six hits and five earned runs. He kept the ball up and the Reds hitters really made him pay. Especially Joey Votto who had five RBI in the game.
Jon Leiber came in and pitched after Lilly and served up a three run home run to Ken Griffey Jr. so he didn’t fare much better then Lilly. Bob Howry also let one run score in the game. Sean Marshall and Michael Wuertz pitched the final 1.1 innings and did not allow a hit.
Reed Johnson led the Cubs at the plate as he went 4-4. I think it is safe to say that Johnson is going to start getting a lot more playing time in the outfield as he is hitting the ball pretty good. Henry Blanco and Lilly had one RBI each for the Cubs. The Cubs could have done a lot more damage in the middle innings had Blanco not missed some signs and was able to actually do something with the bat. It’s too bad Geovany Soto can’t play everyday.
