Morning Box Score: Cubs on a Roll, Sox Left for Dead
By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 4, 2011 1:00PM
Let's start on the South side, shall we?
Oy vey! This game was over as soon as the Sox took the field. With former Mayor Daley in attendance -- who left the game in the third inning -- Gavin Floyd gave up four runs in the first inning with some help from Alex Rios' poor play; looks like his struggles at the plate have carried over to the field. Floyd's line: 2-1/3 innings, 10 runs on nine hits. The Sox wound up surrendering 23 hits and the lineup couldn't keep up despite actually being able to drive in some runs last night. Carlos Quentin hit a three-run home run and AJ Pierzynski hit two doubles. The Sox losing streak now stands at five games. this time last year they were taken out of the AL Central race with poor play against Boston and New York. History seems to be repeating itself here.
Congratulations go out to the Cubs for crafting their first four-game win streak of the season as they continue to play spoiler to the Pirates at PNC Park. Matt Garza, winless in July, struck out seven Pittsburgh batters over seven innings of work. The Cubs offense left a lot to be desired, but Starlin Castro's solo shot in the eighth inning was enough for Sean Marshall and Carlos Marmol to preserve a win for Garza. Those are four ballplayers the Cubs can build around. the Cubs and Pirates close out their series this evening.