Morning Box Score: Ortiz Strong in Cubs Loss, Sox Can't Plate Runners
By Chuck Sudo in News on Jul 6, 2011 2:30PM
Ramon Ortiz looked pretty strong on the mound in his first start since May 2010, but it was the first inning that still proved to be his undoing as the Nationals beat the Cubs again at Nationals Park. The 38-year-old Ortiz became the 10th pitcher to start a game for the Cubs this season and his six innings of work (with six strikeouts) went a long way toward giving the Cubs bullpen some necessary rest. Aramis Ramirez continued his hot hitting of late with a two-run shot in the sixth inning for the Cubs.
The White Sox' season-long struggles with plating runners continued. Sox hitters were 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded 13 on base. Getting three runners home could have made Jake Peavy a winner on a night when he didn't have his best stuff. Kansas City put three on the board against Peavy with only one recorded hit, then scored two more while chasing Peavy out of the game in the sixth inning. Paul Konerko hit a solo shot for the White Sox. Konerko and Carlos Quentin also tallied RBI singles in the third inning for the Sox.