Went to Saturday's game.  Had a great time with one of my longest, bestest friends, Goodie1969.  The sun turned me into a lobster.  Couldn't even have a cigarette for almost 5 hours!  We all know how the game turned out, and thank God it turned out positive, or there might have been a mutiny.  I was there. 

Harden was impressive, in fact, he was beyond impressive.  Great velocity, and he just seemed to throw with no effort.  Ed got a double & a 2-run HR, with 4 rbi.  I was happy.

Then...  suddenly, the game was tied.  Marmol has really been struggling, but he wasn't that bad on Saturday.  I know what you all are saying.  Marmol did hit a batter, walk a batter, but only two of the hits were really solid.  And both of those two were ground balls.  The other hits given up were ground balls that just squirted under the glove.  Marmol should have just tried to make the play at first, and let the run score from third on the dribbler to the first base line.  Theriot should have ate the ball.  By that time though, you could see & sense that the Cubs were playing frantically- wondering how they blew the lead.  Lou always talks about putting a player in a position to succeed.  I understand that Marmol is the type of pitcher that needs to get regular work, (bordering on over-use).  When he gave up a run, or even when he did the splits trying to get that dribbler, LOU SHOULD HAVE TAKEN HIM OUT.  Woody, unknown to us, was unavailable.  However, Marshall was up warming with one out.  Lou should have taken Marmol out to save the game, and his psyche.  Saturday's near loss was all on Lou.  I think Lou knew it as well, since he had to have a beer before he was interviewed after.

With all this being said, kudos to Marshall.  He set down 6 in a row impressively, and got a hit to start the winning rally in the 11th.  Fontenot really laid down a crappy bunt.  It was to the third baseman, (where it should have been), but far too hard.  Marshall didn't stand a chance.  Thank God that Hendry picked up both ED and RayJay.  When Johnson hit the single that won the game, I saw it go just under the 2nd baseman's glove and immediately turned around, started jumping up and down, screaming, "CUBS WIN, CUBS WIN, CUBS WIN."  I had no idea it would be that close at home, and DeRo made a great slide. 

All in all what a great day.  When the game was over, not many wanted to sing "Go Cubs Go", me included.  It was more of a relief that they won, not time to celebrate.  Let's hope Gaudin can continue to pitch well, and that Hendry picks up another arm for the bullpen- Fuentes?  I think Marmol will be fine.  I hope Marmol will be fine.  Can't wait for the second half.