The Chicago Cubs completed a three game sweep of the San Diego Padres on Thursday, as their bats came alive in a 11-3 drubbing of the Fathers. Ryan Dempster pitched well, and hit well too. He allowed two runs and three hits over seven innings and got his first and second hits of the season.
In fact, there were several big hits in the game. Bobby Scales, who continues to write a good story, drove in four runs with two ringing doubles, his first coming in a five-run fifth, following Reed Johnson's two-run double off the wall.
The Cubs drew 10 walks in the game. It was the first home sweep for the Cubs against the Pads in 10 years.
Former Cubs pitcher Chad Gaudin, started for the Padres and was chased with one out in the fifth, having issued seven walks. He only allowed one hit to the Cubs, but was removed after issuing three consecutive walks, His record fell to 0-3 on the season.
It was good to see Hank White back in Chicago. While Koyie Hill has done a nice job backing up Geo Soto, perhaps one of the reasons for Soto's slow start this year has been the absence of Blanco, who was considered Soto's mentor last year.
It was surprising that Jim Hendry didn't bring Blanco back. Blanco appeared equally puzzled when he spoke to the Chicago Tribune's Paul Sullivan.
"You're asking the wrong guy," Blanco said. "I don't know either. We did everything we could, but it didn't happen. I'm here now. It's a bit different, but that's the name of the game. I did everything I could, but it happens."
So no hard feelings?
Blanco paused a second.
"Not really," he finally replied. "I still have a job. Of course I miss these guys a lot, but I have to get used to my new team now."
Speaking of the Pads, Friday, May 22 at San Diego looks like the next start for Carlos Zambrano, if all goes well. Big Z will make a minor league rehab start for Daytona, after which he should rejoin the team.
The Cubs have now won four in a row, come to think of it. Houston comes in next.
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