Carlos Zambrano and Tyler Colvin shine as Chicago Cubs outclass San Diego Padres 1-0 – MBL Update
Chicago Cubs’ starter Carlos Zambrano and left-fielder Tyler Colvin both put combined efforts in the Cubs’ 1-0 victory over the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field, Chicago, on 18
April.
Zambrano struck out 10 batters in eight scoreless innings while Colvin made a walk-off double in the additional 10th inning to boost the Cubs.
Colvin had not been effective in the last nine games as he had just three runs with 24 at-bats at the plate appearance. He also played warm-up matches to get some practice for the real game and swung his bat forcefully during the training camp.
Speaking to reporters, Colvin said, “You have to have your confidence, you have to go up there knowing you're going to hit. That's the way I have to approach it. It's a battle coming off the bench.”
It was a great moment for Zambrano as he attained double-digit strike-outs for the second time in his baseball career. Last time, he achieved this credit against the Houston Astros in 2008. Conditions were tough at Wrigley Field but Zambrano continued his
normal game and threw in good line and length.
The Cubs’ Manager Mike Quade was happy with the efforts of Zambrano. He said, “You watch the way Z's throwing and you feel like one run is going to win this game. If you get two, it's like a 2-0 lead in soccer.”
During the sixth inning, there was a chance for the Cubs to take the lead early when Starlin Castro got a single and ran away on the sacrifice of Darwin Barney. Marlon Byrd then moved to centre position with Castro on third base.
The Cubs’ reliever Carlos Marmol also played his role and allowed no run with two strike-outs in a single pitched innings. He struck out Jorge Cantu and Nick Hundley for his first save.
On the other side, the Padres got a chance in the ninth inning to score a run but lost it. The Padres’ closer Chad Qualls gave a walk to Kosuke Fukudome and drove the second on Soto’s ground-out. Orlando Hudson also missed the double-play and got out. Tim
Stauffer was outstanding with his pitches but did not prove fruitful for his team. He pitched seven no-score innings with four strike-outs.
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