Comfortable win escapes Cubs-
Hawkins surrenders three-run lead in the ninth

On Saturday, Prior threw 7 2/3 scoreless innings, giving up four hits and walking two while striking out five.

"I felt good out there and thought I threw the ball well, but a loss is a loss," Prior said. "There's no way around it."

The right-hander was one out away from the win when Diaz connected off LaTroy Hawkins, who was vying for his 25th save. Instead, it was his eighth blown save.

"We were trying to stay away from Hawkins," Baker said. "He'd thrown six out of seven days, but the situation called for it. He got a ball where that young man likes it. This is what happens in September sometimes when you're facing guys you don't know -- Diaz and Brazell, both rookies. That was real tough, especially the way Mark pitched. That's a real tough one."

Well next time Dusty why don't we try Weurtz or Wellmeyer or ANYBODY else besides LaTroy. (and, no, not Mercker, either) It's obvious that the guy is not a closer. He has an ERA of 1. something in the 7th and 8th and over 3. something in the 9th. He looked completely shell-shocked sitting in the dugout. I wonder if his mind snapped.

How many times do we have to learn this lesson?