Although they have already won a game in 16 innings this season, the Bucs were out to prove that winning long games is no fluke. Jack Wilson admitted that the game was the worst in his career, but his bat atoned for a throwing error in last night’s 4-3 win over the Cubbies. The game took 15 innings to complete.
Jonah Bayliss (3-2) pitched 3 strong scoreless innings to get his 3rd win of the season. Bayliss needed a strong outing, after struggling over the past week and a half.
Jack Wilson committed a fielding error in the 7th, allowing Cesar Izturis to reach first. Daryle Ward delivered a pinch-hit single, and Alfonso Soriano drove in Izturis for a 3-2 Cubs lead. Ward looked to be out at 2nd, and Jim Tracy was ejected for arguing the call. Wilson was able to make up for the costly error by delivering a sac fly in the 9th off Ryan Dempster to score Nate McLouth. After unsuccessful attempts to drive in baserunners in the 11th and 12th, Wilson hit another sac fly, which scored the decisive run in the game.
Ian Snell pitched an alright game. He went 8 innings, and struck out 5. However, he allowed 10 Chicago hits. He luckily only gave up 2 earned runs over those 10 hits. No walks issued by Ian, so his control seems to be in the right place.
Tonight’s game pits Tom Gorzelanny (4-1 2.97 ERA) against Jason Marquis (4-1 2.09 ERA). Both pitchers have started the season as well as they could have hoped. Marquis has won his last 4 starts, and Gorzo recorded wins in 3 of his past 4 starts. Gorzo or Marquis could tie the league lead with their 5th win tonight.
