Morning Box Score

By Matt Motyka in News on Apr 9, 2009 3:00PM

'Hawks Fall To Blue Jackets
The Chicago Blackhawks lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 in a shootout Wednesday, allowing Columbus to lock up a playoff berth for the first time in franchise history. The 'Hawks looked were cruising early, as they went ahead 2-0 with first period goals from Brent Seabrook and Dave Bolland. The Blue Jackets managed two scores of their own to begin the second and tie the game, but Martin Havlat upped the ante for Chicago with a third goal to close out the period. The 'Hawks then held Columbus to only four shots on goal in the third, but one from Rick Nash snuck through and sent game into overtime. A scoreless OT led to a shootout, where Fedor Tyutin settled it on the Blue Jackets' second attempt. The shootout loss left Chicago a point shy of clinching fourth place in the West, and they'll now have to earn it against Detroit in the final two games of the regular season.

Cubs Swat 'Stros
The Chicago Cubs devoured the Houston Astros on Wednesday, winning 11-6. The main course was Astros' starter Brian Moehler, who served up seven runs in 1 and 2/3 innings as the Cubs surged to an 8-0 lead by the end of the second frame. Mike Fontenot and Aramis Ramirez each had four RBIs and Kosuke Fukudome looked like his old self, going 4-for-5 with a home run. Cubs' starter Ted Lilly didn't appear particularly sharp in his first outing of '09, surrendering four home runs, but chewed up five innings of work and earned himself the W. After claiming two of three in Houston, the Cubs soldier on to Milwaukee to start a series with the Brewers on Friday.

Royals Top Sox
The Chicago White Sox were shut out by Zack Greinke and the Royals Wednesday, losing a pitchers' duel 2-0. Greinke scattered six base runners over six innings and the K.C. bullpen shut the door by no-hitting the Sox in the final three frames. Chicago starter Gavin Floyd also looked impressive through seven, but surrendered a few timely hits in the third and fifth innings that gave Kansas City all it needed for the win. The two teams will finish their series this afternoon, with an opening pitch slated for 1:05.