Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer on Aug 21, 2008 2:10PM

Cubs Slip to Reds
In spite of a stellar outing for Ted Lilly (including a no-hitter through five innings), the Cubs weren't able to generate any offense as they fell to the Cincinnati Reds 2-1. Lilly gave up two runs over seven innings and struck out seven. Of course, more impressive was Reds' starter Bronson Arroyo, who only gave up one run and three hits. Said Lilly, ""I was throwing the ball pretty good. "I was using four pitches, my curveball was better than it's been in a while...It's tough. It's one of those games where you look back and second guess yourself a little bit." Mark DeRosa singled home Aramis Ramirez in the second inning for the Cubs only run. In spite of the loss, the Cubs still have a comfortable five-game lead over the Brewers in the division, while the Cardinals trail by seven and a half. The Cubs wrap up their series with the Reds this afternoon and then host the Washington Nationals this weekend.

Sox Sweep Seattle
The White Sox had no problem getting an early start after a night game as they clobbered the Seattle Mariners 15-3 Wednesday afternoon to sweep the series. Gavin Floyd pitched six innings, giving up three runs and striking out seven on his way to his thirteenth win of the year. But it was the Sox bat that ruled the day: the first five batters of the game scored and the Sox scored in each of the first six innings. Alexei Ramirez, A.J. Pierzynski, and Nick Swisher all belted homers. Not to be outdone in the offensive explosion, Junior Griffey hit his 609th career home run in the second inning to tie Sammy Sosa for fifth all-time; it was also his first homer as a White Sock. Ozzie's reaction? "About time. I never thought I was going to see him hit a home run as a manager." The Sox, winners of five in a row and still in first place by a game, get a day off Thursday before welcoming the upstart Tampa Bay Devil Rays to town this weekend.