Cubs 2, Dodgers 0: One Goddamn Hit

The Dodgers dropped the series opener of a four-game set with the Cubs this afternoon, 2-0.

—–

Alex Wood was both lucky and unlucky today. Wood gave out seven hits and three walks in his five innings of work (87 pitches), but limited the Cubs to two runs, thanks in part to seven strikeouts. However, in a way he was also rather unlucky to give up those two runs as they happened.

The fifth inning was when the damaged happened, as Ben Zobrist singled into right, and Yasiel Puig booted it as he rushed to keep Zobrist at first. That led to a runner on third and nobody out, after which Jason Heyward singled on a roller to first to drive in a run after Wood forgot to cover the bag and Adrian Gonzalez was left with no play. Wood then struck out Kris Bryant, but gave up a double to right against Anthony Rizzo. Puig and A-Gon executed a perfect relay to cut down the Heyward at home, but Yasmani Grandal literally dropped the ball and the lead was doubled to 2-0.

The relief core of Louis Coleman, Casey Fien, J.P. Howell, and Pedro Baez did good work, giving up just one hit and one hit by pitch in their three scoreless innings of work.

But while the mistakes were an unfortunate way to lose, don’t worry too much since wouldn’t have mattered anyway, as the Dodgers offense didn’t care to show up today. Even though Cubs starter Jason Hammel had to exit after two innings due to a hamstring cramp, the Dodgers didn’t feel like taking advantage, mustering just one hit by Justin Turner and a walk by A-Gon.

That was it.

—–

With the loss, the Dodgers fall to 27-25 on the year, and drop to 14-12 away from home.

The Dodgers play the Cubs again tomorrow at 5:00 PM PST/8:00 PM EST, and the pitching matchup will be Scott Kazmir against Jake Arrieta.

Hopefully they can scratch out a way to avoid a perfect game.