Well, game 1 didn't go as I'd hoped. Cubs lose 3-1. Without reading any articles or watching any post game interviews, I have a few thoughts on the game. Those not interested in baseball can just skip today's post, lol.

1. Carlos Zambrano pitched a GREAT game. He only allowed one run in 6 innings.

2. Since Carlos was pitching well, why bring him out? Confidence in the relievers? Concern for his arm since he'll be pitching again on only 3 days rest?

3. Why is Lou Piniella only going with three starting pitchers for this series? Carlos Zambrano, Rich Hill, and Ted Lilly. It sure puts a lot of pressure on the middle and late relievers to be perfect.

4. All the Cubs, with the exception of Carlos, looked flat last night. Ramirez almost looks like he's not trying when he's at the plate. He's reaching for pitches that he would not normally bother with. Derrick Lee looks like his back is still bothering him. Every time he's at the plate, he's arching back like he's trying to stretch it out. That HAS to be affecting his swing. Soriano, who is typically a first pitch batter, is still being bothered by his sore quad. That affects not just his fielding, but his base running too. In the 6th inning, the Cubs had the bases loaded...THE BASES LOADED, only got ONE run in, and left 3 men on base. They have to be better at advancing the base runners or they'll have no chance tonight or Saturday when they come back to Chicago for game 3.

5. Carlos Marmol pitched the 7th inning in relief of Carlos Zambrano. Marmol had been great, not allowing a run in the last 28 innings he's pitched. What does he do? Gives up two runs to give the D'backs the lead for good.

I really was hoping for more from the Cubs last night. Hopefully they got whatever was bugging them last night out of their system and can come back tonight to tie the series at 1 each.

Go Cubs Go! Go Cubs Go! Hey Chicago, what do you say? Cubs are gonna win today!