Ryan Dempster threw eight shut out innings on Tuesday night and Derrek Lee connected on a two-run home run in the eighth inning as the Cubs beat the visiting Los Angeles Dodgers 3-0 to kick off their three game series at Wrigley Field. Dempster allowed just three hits as he picked up his first win since April 23rd.
Struggling Aramis Ramirez was out of the Cubs’ lineup for the third time in four games because of a sore left thumb. Jeff Baker started in his place. Ramirez needs to stay out of the lineup until he is 100% healthy and can actually swing a bat and make some contact. Some extra time in the batting cage wouldn’t hurt either.
The Cubs are now 22-24 and 12-10 at home. They were able to pick up a game in the standings and are now four games out of first place. The Reds and Cardinals lead the division right now with 26-20 records. Being four games out at this point isn’t too bad considering how poorly the offense has hit the ball. With warmer weather coming, look for the bats to heat up and the Cubs to move up in the standings and really challenge the Cardinals and Reds. The first chance will be a weekend series with the Cardinals in Chicago.
Can the Cubs get it done and start battling for first place? If the bats come around, I don’t see why not.
Cubs Blog
Dempster finally gets a win as Cubs beat the Dodgers
