For the second straight game, the Cubs we beaten by the Astros by the score of 2-1. And for the second straight game, it was Astos player Geoff Blum knocking in the winning run late in the game. On Thursday afternoon, Blum knocked a Jose Ascanio pitch down the first base line to knock in Lance Berkman for the winning run in the 13th inning. Just another one of those games where the offense did not sure up.

Once again, just like on Wednesday, the Cubs only run in the game came from a solo home run. It was Derrek Lee going deep in the ninth inning to tie the game up but it wouldn’t matter in the end. The players had plenty of chances to knock in runs but they could just not come up with the big hit to score a run or two. This offense could really use Aramis Ramirez in the lineup.

Ryan Dempster allowed just one run over his seven innings. Besides a rbi sac fly off the bat of Carlos Lee in the first inning, Dempster was great on the mound. It’s too bad he had to settle for a no decision because the offense is sticking it up. Carlos Marmol and Kevin Gregg both threw two innings without allowing a run. With you get a starting performance and four shutout innings from you bullpen late in the game, you need to win the game no matter what.

The Cubs couldn’t take advantage of a Brewers loss and will not move up in the standings. They will fly back to Chicago where they will have a weekend series with the Minnesota Twins. I will be out of town the next three days so won’t be able to blog or watch much of the games. I will be in attendance at the Rockies vs Mariners game tomorrow night however so atleast I will be watching some baseball. Hopefully the Cubs can win the series against the Twins while I’m away!

- Cliff