Gibsons' Ryan Dempster and the Chicago Cubs have picked the wrong time to go on a losing streak.
With a record of 2-8 in their past 10 games, the Cubs have been fortunate to maintain their four and a half game lead over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League's Central Division. In his last four starts, Dempster has a win, loss and two no decisions.
His latest outing was Tuesday night in St. Louis where the Cubs lost 4-3. Dempster had a 3-0 lead heading into the sixth inning when Albert Pujols' 33rd homer, a three-run shot tied the game 3-3. Pujols, who has seven RBIs in the last three games and 98 on the year, hammered a first-pitch fastball an estimated 404 feet over the wall in centre. Skip Schumaker doubled to start the inning and Aaron Miles bunted for a hit to set up the rally.
"He could have popped it up or flied out but he didn't," Dempster said of Pujols. "He does what he does and he hit it out and unfortunately we didn't get it done."
The Cardinals missed a chance for more when Dempster struck out pinch hitter Adam Kennedy with runners on second and third to end the inning.
Dempster, who has allowed homers in his last two starts after going 69 2-3 innings without surrendering a long ball, recovered with a perfect seventh to end his outing. He struck out six, and walked two - both to Yadiar Molina - while allowing seven hits.
Dempster's record is 15-6. The Cubs host Milwaukee for four games this weekend in a key battle for the division title. Dempster should get the start Sunday.
The Cubs then start a three-game series at home on Monday against the East division-leading New York Mets.
