Cubs hang on as White Sox sputter
The Cubs got a lift from the wind in a 12-3 victory over the White Sox on Monday night. On Tuesday, all they needed was a little help from the White Sox.
After an error by White Sox third baseman Orlando Hudson and an infield hit by Tony Campana, David DeJesus' double to right field gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead in the third inning. Although Jake Peavy allowed only 5 hits in a complete game, the lead held up and the Cubs won their second straight in the cross-town series.
Cubs starter Travis Wood walked three and allowed a double in the second inning, but the White Sox were only able to score once. Wood settled down after that and earned his first win of the season.
“We kept it close, I was able to battle and keep them off balance, and we ended up winning the ballgame,” Wood said. “Get the first win, get the monkey off the back. Hopefully we'll keep going from here.”
The Cubs' defense played a large role in maintaining the lead during the pitchers duel. Darwin Barney and Reed Johnson both made notable catches, and Starlin Castro made a barehanded grab in left field after bobbling an Alejandro De Aza flyball in the fifth inning.
“Hopefully that's the number one web gem tonight,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. “That'll be tough to beat, I think. That was pretty athletic to be able to snatch that out of the air.”
David DeJesus expressed a sense of relief that the Cubs were able to win a relatively drama-free 1-run game.
“When you win those games, it's a good win, especially the way we did against a quality team,” DeJesus said. “It's good to get the first two. Hopefully we can get the (third) win and then have a nice day off.”
The White Sox dropped their third straight and lost their hold on first place in the AL Central as the Cleveland Indians rallied for a win over Cincinnati.
“It's frustrating, because Peavy pitched a great game,” White Sox manager Robin Ventura said. “He deserves better. We had opportunities, and it just didn't happen.”
In addition to the bases-loaded chance in the third, James Russell walked two batters in the eighth. But reliever Manny Corpas was able to retire Paul Konerko and Alex Rios to end the threat.
Peavy threw 125 pitches, giving the bullpen a rest after it was pressed into extended service the previous night. He kept the Cubs from scoring after a David DeJesus leadoff triple in the ninth, but the White Sox were unable to score off Carlos Marmol in the bottom half of the inning. Marmol allowed only a walk in picking up his fourth save.
“I felt I had plenty,” Peavy said. “I did feel good tonight and was trying to be economical because of the injuries we've had. Stew starting last night and the bullpen being used a lot, the game plan from the outset was to throw 120 pitches. I wish it had been different, because that ninth would have meant something.”
The Cubs clinched their first series win against the White Sox since 2009 and have a chance to sweep. Randy Wells and Gavin Floyd will face off in the series finale at 7:10 p.m. Wednesday.