Prior Defeats Maddux; Cubs Go Up 2 Games To 1
Prior and the Cubs defeated Maddux and the Braves 3-1 in the much anticipated showdown between the past and future (present?) of pitching greatness tonight. Prior only allowed 2 hits in throwing a complete game. And don’t forget – Prior was facing an offense that scored 5.6 runs per game during the regular season; Maddux was facing an offense that scored more than a run per game less than that.
Meanwhile, Bobby Cox has said that he’s leaning toward starting Russ Ortiz on 3 days rest tomorrow. I think it’s a smart move. The alternative – Horacio Ramirez – is a lefty. And the Cubs hit lefties well. That said, the Cubs handled Ortiz – a decent, but not great pitcher pitching for a great offensive team – in Game 1. They can do it again.