Morning Box Score

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Aug 23, 2010 1:00PM

Braves Blow Out Cubs As Lou Says Farewell
It wasn't exactly the auspicious farewell that the team and fans wanted for Lou Piniella but it was the one they got as the Braves blew out the Cubs 16-5 at Wrigley yesterday, Lou's final game as manager of the Cubs. A Marlon Byrd single and an Aramis Ramirez homer actually helped give the Cubs an early lead but it collapsed as the Braves bats tagged starter Randy Wells for three runs in the fourth and later on the Cubs' bullpen, scoring 11 runs over the final three innings. Said an emotional Piniella after the game:

"Today's game wasn't pretty, but I'd rather reflect on the good times I've had here. Lot of good times, lot of good people. It's been a lot of fun. The pregame with Bobby Cox was special. He's been a good friend for a long time. I appreciate my four years here with the Cubs' organization. The city's special, the people here are special. I'm appreciative. I cried a little bit after the game. I get emotional -- I'm sorry. I'm not trying to be. This will be the last time I put on a uniform. It's been very special to me."

Third-base coach Mike Quade takes over today as interim manager for the rest of the season as the Cubs head down to D.C. for a three-game series against the Nationals (6:05 p.m., CSN).

Sox Fall To Royals In Extras. Again.
It was an exhausting weekend for the Sox in Kansas City and after Saturday night's late night doubleheader, they went to extra innings against the Royals again and came up short, losing 3-2. A.J Pierzynksi and Paul Konerko both had RBI base hits for the Sox and the pitching staff came through: John Danks threw six innings allowing two runs and the team got a rare, extended three inning appearance from Bobby Jenks who didn't allow any runs. But it was in the 10th inning off of Scott Linebrink that the Royals scored the game-winning hit. All three games the teams played this weekend went to extra innings - and all three games being played within a 24-hour span thanks to MLB's stupid TV rules - with the Royals taking two of three. The Sox, now five games behind the Twins, get a well-deserved day off to travel home where they'll face Baltimore and the NY Yankees this week.