Same Performance, Different Result in Game Two

The way that the Cubs lost to the Pirates on Wednesday is likely to be replicated a number of times throughout the 2013 season; solid pitching with a complete lack of offense. Through the first two games, this has been the theme.

Edwin Jackson was not at the top of his game on Wednesday night, but his performance was solid enough to merit a victory. It appeared in the fourth inning that he was starting to lose control, though he escaped the inning allowing only two runs. Those two runs all that Pittsburgh could muster against him in his five innings of work. He allowed just three hits, while striking out five. Not too shabby of a follow up to Jeff Samardzija, who pitched eight innings of shutout baseball against the Bucs on Monday.

Unfortunately for Jackson, he couldn't get the offensive production that Samardzija got. Not to say that Samardzija was much to envy, as with the exception of Anthony Rizzo's home run, the Cubs production was dismal. Wednesday saw the Cubs strand five men on base, plating none.

The Cubs had a huge opportunity in the seventh inning, loading the bases with just one out. Wandy Rodriguez hit Rizzo, Gave up a single to Alfonso Soriano, and then drilled Wellington Castillo. With one out, Brent Lillibridge, who has quickly earned himself some ugly nicknames from fans, struck out looking. Through two games, Lillibridge has four strikeouts in six at bats, and has yet to reach base.

Following Lillibdidge's K, Tony Watson made quick work of Alberto Cabrera, and the inning was over.

Starlin Castro and Rizzo are considered to be the future of the Cubs organization, and rightfully so. Through these first two games, though, Castillo has shown serious potential. He followed up a clutch RBI double on Monday by catching Andrew McCutchen stealing on Wednesday. McCutchen is no slouch on the base paths, but Castillo caught him with relative ease.

Players like Castillo will make 2013 fun to watch. If the bottom of the order is this incapable of run production, though, it will be a very long season.