Webb good, but Cubs' offense inconsistent
PHOENIX -- The Cubs thought they had left their offensive inconsistencies behind them after a blistering September with the bats.
Then came Game 1 of the NLDS on Wednesday when they managed just 4 hits in their 3-1 loss to Brandon Webb and the Diamondbacks.
The Cubs' first five hitters went a combined 1-for-20.
"We have been inconsistent," said first baseman Derrek Lee. "We'll go a week and be incredible and then kind of cool off. Honestly, (Wednesday) night, I think you tip your cap to Brandon Webb. We hit a few balls hard, but they didn't fall in for us. Sometimes you go up against a buzz saw."
The Cubs faced D'backs left-hander Doug Davis in Game 2. Davis came in with 7-5 record in 13 career starts against the Cubs, having faced them often while with the Milwaukee Brewers.
It was a critical game for the Cubs, who didn't want to come home for Game 3 on Saturday down 2-0 in the short best-of-five series.
"Huge game," Lee said.
Cubs manager Lou Piniella downplayed the Game 1 loss again Thursday and gave credit to Webb for shutting down his offense.
"Look, Webb did a really nice job of pitching last night," Piniella said. "We had some opportunities, and he made some pitches when he had to.
"I said coming into this series when I say here on Tuesday that the key for us was to hit at opportune times. (Wednesday) night we didn't. That's the key for us in this series."
Thursday's Game 2 didn't start very well for the Cubs' hitters. Alfonso Soriano struck out to start the game, swinging at a Davis breaking ball in the dirt. After Ryan Theriot singled to left, Lee tapped into a fielder's choice and Aramis Ramirez struck out to end the inning.
The Cubs got 2 runs in the second inning on rookie catcher Geovany Soto's 2-run homer to left that came after Matt Murton's infield single.
Piniella came right back with Soto for the second straight game instead of using veteran Jason Kendall.
"He can pop the ball," Piniella said of Soto.
The second inning ended with Soriano striking out again, making him 0-for-7 in the series to that point.
While much of the pregame talk Thursday centered on Piniella's decision in Game 1 to remove starter Carlos Zambrano after six innings and go to Carlos Marmol with the scored tied at 1-1, Lee said the players understood the decision.
"We have no problem with it," Lee said. "I mean, Marmol, that's probably the first run he's given up all season. He's been incredible. It's always easy to look back and second guess. If Marmol doesn't give up a run, no one says a word. I had no problems with it."