Another tough loss for Wells as Cubs drop 2 of 3 to Mets

For the past 100 years or so, the Cubs have been the ultimate victims of Murphy's Law, where pretty much anything that can go wrong for the team has gone wrong.

On Sunday, the Cubs fell victim to Murphy's Bat, as in first baseman Daniel Murphy, who homered, tripled and had 4 RBI to power the Mets past the Cubs 4-2.

In addition to Murphy's bat, the Mets got a big jolt from the rejuvenated arm of Mike Pelfrey (10-10), who came into Sunday's series finale feeling good after a recent talk with manager Jerry Manuel.

"He told me he expected more out of me, and I told him the same thing. I said, 'Hey, your expectations aren't higher than mine," Pelfrey told reporters. "I can finish this thing on a positive note."

Pelfrey went 8 innings and allowed just 1 earned run to outduel Cubs rookie Randy Wells (10-8), who gave up just 1 earned run and 7 hits over 6 innings in a hard-luck loss.

"There's no sense in talking about it," Cubs manager Lou Piniella told reporters after the game. "Wells did a nice job again. He's been one of the most positive developments here."

Another positive development Sunday was the bat of catcher Geovany Soto (2 doubles, 2 RBI) and the glove of Andres Blanco.

Getting a rare start at shortstop, Blanco turned in the play of the game in the fourth inning when he dove to his left to snag Jeff Francoeur's grounder up the middle, then threw from the ground to nip Francoeur at first base.

"What a great play. That's as good a play as I've ever seen made at the big-league level. How about that?" Piniella said. "I don't know how he got the ball over to first base."

But in the end it all added up once again to yet another tough-luck loss for Wells.

"He could have 2 or 3 more wins - maybe 3 or 4," Piniella said. "He doesn't give in; he competes. You've got to be really pleased with him. He's probably the best development we've had here all year."