Summer-like 91-degree day at Wrigley today, but Cubs shutout by Sox

The Cubs lost to the White Sox 6-0 in the final game of the Crosstown Classic today and ended up being swept by the South siders in the three-game series.  This was the first time the Sox swept the Cubs at Wrigley Field since 1999.  Paul Maholm started for the Cubs and took his third loss of the season, for a 4-3 record.  I was at today's game so I witnessed the sweep and lack of Cubs offense in person.

The Cubs bullpen before the start of Sunday's game against the White Sox

It didn't help that the wind was blowing straight out over the center field scoreboard at 12mph at the beginning of the game.  Adam Dunn, Gordan Beckham, and Tyler Flowers all took advantage of the wind to hit home runs in today's game.

Maholm gave up nine hits, including three homers, over 6 1/3 innings.  It was the first time he had given up three home runs in a game since the Nationals hit four on June 10, 2008.  

Paul Maholm gave up three home runs in Sunday's game

Getting swept by the White Sox felt the same as getting swept by the Marlins, according to Bryan LaHair.  "Any time you lose or get swept, it's not a good feeling," LaHair said.  "Whether it's them or some other team, you don't accept that."

Third baseman Ian Stewart at first base

“Our offense has to step up, no getting around it,” Cubs manager Dale Sveum said. “We have to step up and get three-run innings, crooked numbers all the time or as much as you possibly can.”

Sveum said he may alter the lineup, starting at the top, when the Cubs open a six-game road trip on Monday in Houston.  David DeJesus, Tony Campana and Starlin Castro were a combined 5-for-23 on Friday and Sunday. 

"I might think about changing things at the top of the order," Sveum said.  "It's not that anybody is doing anything wrong, but just to change something because we aren't producing any runs that way.  We might change things up there.  We need some production and the bottom line is, two months into the season, we have to start producing or we're going to have to start making some changes."  Let's hope whatever changes he makes will help the team score some runs!

Starlin Castro at bat during Sunday's 91-degree finale against the White Sox

Tomorrow the Cubs will play the Astros in Houston at 7:05pm CT.  Matt Garza is scheduled to start for the Cubs.  Following are some more photos I took at today's game.

A bat boy hands David DeJesus his helmet after he is issued a walk during Sunday's game

Starlin Castro during Sunday's game

Bryan LaHair during the National Anthem before Sunday's game