So the series with the Cubs is even after yesterday’s shutout victory behind Adam Eaton and Matt Herges. I figured if the Pads’ bats showed up at all, the first two games should be pretty close. I sure wish Jake Peavy were pitching today. But maybe this is the game Oliver Perez turns things around. One can only hope.

We’ll talk about that in a minute, but first…

Shameless Plug

My latest article is up over at Baseball Primer. It’s a quick recap of the early part of the season in the NL West and the first in a series I’ll be working on throughout the year. Hope ya like it!

Okay, back to the series.

Game 20: 4/22/03

Chicago Cubs 7, San Diego 2 (ESPN)

Not much to say on this one except how does Brian Lawrence, of all people, tie a big-league record by plunking three hitters in one inning? And how does Sammy Sosa steal his thunder by being one of the guys he hits?

Game 21: 4/23/03

San Diego 2, Chicago Cubs 0 (ESPN)

Or, as I like to call it, "Revenge of the Rented Mules."

A little wildness from Kerry Wood, some clutch hitting from Ramon Vazquez and Sean Burroughs, and some brilliant pitching; next thing you know, the Padres have tied up the series. Eaton allowed five hits and two walks over seven innings. He also set a personal best with 12 strikeouts. Herges followed by retiring the final six batters for his first save.

Meantime, after drawing a leadoff walk in the second, Xavier Nady scored on a two-out double by Vazquez. Then, in the fifth, with two outs Ryan Klesko got plunked on a 1-2 pitch from Wood. Rondell White then drew a walk and Burroughs followed with a single to right-center, plating Klesko.

The Cubs may have been upset at Lawrence the other day for hitting Sosa. But as a Padre fan, I’m nothing but grateful to Wood for giving Klesko a base yesterday. Right now, this team needs all the help it can get, even it comes from the opposition.

Today: Oliver Perez vs Matt Clement at Wrigley. Game time, 11:20 PM. Television: none.