Cubs lose what may be Ted Lilly's swan song
If Tuesday night was indeed Ted Lilly's last start as a Cub, he can leave by saying both, "thanks for everything," and, "thanks for nothing."
Once again, the veteran lefty was the victim of extreme nonsupport as the Cubs fell 6-1 to the Houston Astros and their starting pitcher, Brett Myers, who tossed a complete-game 4-hitter.
Lilly did his part and was not charged with the loss, if that's any consolation.
The loss went to rookie reliever Andrew Cashner (1-4), who got roughed up for 6 runs in the seventh inning. The scoring ran the gamut that inning, with the Astros getting a run on Angel Sanchez's squeeze bunt and 4 more on a grand slam by Lance Berkman.
As for Lilly, he worked 52/3 shutout innings, giving up 5 hits while walking three and striking out eight. Cashner relieved him in the sixth and struck out Chris Johnson after Lilly had walked Jeff Keppinger and Berkman.
Lilly entered the game having received 2.43 runs of support per game, the lowest in the major leagues.
If Lilly is traded - and there were plenty of scouts at the game - manager Lou Piniella sounded like he will miss the veteran lefty.
"He's been a model of consistency," Piniella told reporters before the game. "He gives you a very reasonable chance of winning a baseball game when he goes out there. He gives you innings and he had a nice winning record here. It was a real nice sign."
Piniella was talking about the four-year, $40 million contract Lilly signed with the Cubs before the 2007 season, also Piniella's first with the Cubs.
"As a manager, you get attached to your players, and Teddy has been here for four years," Piniella said. "He's a very amicable guy and a professional. I've stated my thoughts about staying together as much as we possibly can, so it gives us a chance to play as well as we can down the stretch, but I understand the other side of the coin."
Neither Lilly nor Myers gave up anything through the middle innings. The Astros batted around against Cashner in the decisive seventh, with Cashner walking two (one intentionally) and hitting two in addition to giving up the grand slam.
The Cubs got their only run in the ninth, as Tyler Colvin led off with his 16th home run of the year, a drive to right. Colvin doubled in the fourth, providing the Cubs with their only punch.
<p class="factboxheadblack">Bruce Miles' game tracker</p>
<p class="News"><b>No-luck Lilly:</b> Left-hander Ted Lilly left after 52/3 innings and getting no run support. He has not won since June 29. In addition to Tuesday's game, Lilly has gotten run support of 1, 3, 2 and 3 runs in games this month.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Extra, extra:</b> Rookie Tyler Colvin doubled and hit his 16th home run, which leads NL rookies. Colvin and rookie shortstop Starlin Castro have combined for 55 extra-base hits. Colvin's 16 homers are the most by a Cubs left-handed rookie since Mel Hall had 17 in 1983.</p>
<p class="News"><b>Rough go:</b> Backup catcher Koyie Hill was 0-for-3 with 2 strikeouts. He's 0-for-17 over his last six games.</p>
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