Abbatacola: Garza Gets First Victory At Wrigley
By Matt Abbatacola
CHICAGO (WSCR) The division-leading St. Louis Cardinals and a 53-minute rain delay weren't enough to stop Matt Garza who earned his first victory at Wrigley Field. It was also his second victory on the season. The right-hander is 2-4 with a 4.17 ERA.
After the rain delay, Garza said he was "more than ready to keep it going." His first batter in the top of the 4th was Albert Pujols. Garza walked the first baseman. He then sat down in order on strikeouts, Holliday, Berkman, and Laird.
He would finish with 5 innings pitched, 3 hits, and 1 run allowed on 85 pitches. Garza also was able to bat twice in one inning. In the Cubs' third, they sent 10 batters to the plate scoring six runs on six hits. Garza led-off and ending the inning with strikeouts. "That was awesome, friggin' awesome. I used to make fun of guys who got the first and third out. Now I'm one of them." Garza joked after the game.
The offense came to life producing 17 hits, including three doubles and two triples, and 11 runs. The Cardinals finished with 4 runs on 9 hits.
Starlin Castro had a big night batting in the 6 spot for the first time this season. He went 4-for-4 with 3 runs and 3 RBI. Before the game, Mike Quade was asked why Castro was in the 6 spot.
"Didn't think fourth was a good spot," joked the manager. "There's a lot of reasons," he followed up.
Quade then asked the reporter, "Are you unhappy with him in the six hole?"
I think Cubs fans would agree that if the young shortstop goes 4-for4 every night, Quade can bat him wherever he wants.
Marlon Byrd extended his hitting streak to 12 games. He is 17-for-47 during the streak (.362 avg). It is the longest streak since his career-high 15 game-run he had back in 2003 when playing for Philedelphia.
Catcher Geovany Soto was placed on the 15-day disabled list today with a groin injury. He will stay in Chicago with the club throughout the weekend and then travel to Arizona to continue his treatments and rehab. Koyie Hill went 2-for-4 on the night including an RBI double and an RBI triple. Catcher, Welington Castillo, joined the club earlier in the day from the Iowa Cubs. Quade plans on using Castillo as a starter along with Hill.
The Cubs have 30 hits in the first two games against the Cardinals. Tomorrow, Chicago looks to continue hitting well and earn the series victory.
Casey Coleman (1-2 6.29) opposes Jaime Garcia (4-0 1.99) First pitch is scheduled for 1:20.
