Morning Box Score: Weaver Blanks Sox, Wells Handles Braves
By Chuck Sudo in News on Aug 25, 2011 1:00PM
Let's start this morning's recap by looking toward the West Coast, where Angels starter Jered Weaver put on a pitching clinic, striking out 8 in seven innings of shutout ball before handing things over to the bullpen. Sure, it was against the White Sox lineup, who have made made some terrible pitchers look like the second coming of Nolan Ryan this season. But Weaver entered the game with an American League-best 2.10 ERA and was going to prove a tough test for any lineup. With Detroit losing, the White Sox had an ample opportunity to pick up ground in the Al Central race. But they are who we know they are right now - a mediocre team. At this point in the season, only a run on the level of last year's 25-5 run will put the Sox in contention for the postseason.
At Wrigley Field, the Cubs late season run to save Mike Quade's job continued. (Sarcasm mode off now.) Randy Wells was staked to an early 3-0 lead and thanks to an Alfonso Soriano two-run shot. Wells also plated Tony Campana on a fielder's choice. Wells wound up earning the win with 6-2/3 innings of work. Carlos Marmol picked up his 30th save. The Cubs and Atlanta close out their series today with a day game at the Friendly Confines.