Cubs 1 4 0

WP- Billingsley (7-9)

LP- Samardzija (7-9)

HR- A.J. Ellis (9 & 10)

Before the game we learned that the Dodgers had been busy working on waiver deals. They acquired right-handed starting pitcher Joe Blanton from the Phillies in exchange for cash and a player to be named later. Ted Lilly was scratched from his scheduled rehab start tonight after suffering a setback with his shoulder. Blanton will take Stephen Fife‘s spot in the rotation, and he could pitch as early as Sunday. It was also reported that the Dodgers were awarded a waiver claim on another certain Phillies pitcher. Cliff Lee was claimed by the Dodgers, but it is unlikely that a deal will materialize for the southpaw. We will keep you posted on the Cliff Lee front.

Vin Scully got #AJEllis trending on Twitter before he hit his second HR. Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-US PRESSWIRE

Tonight’s game was a much-needed feel-good win. The battery of A.J. Ellis and Chad Billingsley was the cornerstone of the game. Chad pitched seven strong innings. Him and his red beard only allowed 1 run on 4 hits to the Cubs. He has pitched great since returning from the brief DL stint. A.J. Ellis took center stage by hitting a single and two homeruns while driving in three runs on the night. (more…)