GAME 21 REVIEW
Greg Maddux goes to a MLB-leading 5-0 and wins the 323rd game of his career, leaving him just one win behind Nolan Ryan and Don Sutton for 13th on the all-time win list, as the Cubs (13-8) beat the Brewers (12-11) 6-2 at Wrigley Field Friday afternoon. With Wood, Prior, and Miller out until... whenever, having Greg Maddux get off to what is probably the best start of his career really hits the spot. And I'll have another one, thank you.
I guess it wasn't the best Greg Maddux performance you'll ever see, as he struggled with his command at times. But still, Maddux at less than his best is better than Glendon Rusch (who was skipped to allow Maddux to get the start), so it was plenty good enough for me and I'm happy.
It was nice to see Jacque Jones do what he does best, and that is crush RHP. An RBI double and a solo HR (his 4th of the season) to left-center plus a single thrown in for good measure equals a 3-4 day for Jonesy. He also got his batting average up to a more respectable .231. Ronny Cedeno had three more hits, including a two-run home run and a bunt single, and Matt Murton contributed an RBI double. Juan Pierre had two hits and scored two runs, and Todd Walker was on base three times. And even Henry Blanco got a hit.
Almost lost in the glow of Maddux's 5th victory of the season and career win number 323 were the three no-hit shutout innings (1 HBP, 1 BB, and 6 K) by the Cub bullpen (Howry to Eyre to Williamson), with Eyre striking out the side in the 8th and Williamson striking out the side in the 9th. The Cubs bullpen is pretty good.
MLB ALL-TIME WINS:
1. Cy Young - 511
2. Walter Johnson - 417
3T. Grover Cleveland Alexander - 373
3T. Christy Mathewson - 373
5. Warren Spahn - 363
6. Pud Galvin - 361
7. Kid Nichols - 360
8T. Tim Keefe - 341
8T. Roger Clemens - 341
10. Steve Carlton - 329
11. John Clarkson - 327
12. Eddie Plank - 326
13T. Nolan Ryan - 324
13T. Don Sutton - 324
15.
Greg Maddux - 323
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