6/20 Cubs players take charge

Lou Piniella delivered a message to the players after Saturday’s 12-0 loss. On Sunday, the Cubs took matters into their own hands in a 12-1 win over the Angels. Piniella told the players after Saturday’s debacle they had to play better or else they would continue to be embarrassed. Did one of the players say something before Sunday’s game?

“We all did,” Marlon Byrd said. “It was one of those from batting practice on, coming in here and in the dugout. Everyone said, ‘Step it up, let’s go.’ Everyone was ready. This team, we don’t lay down. That was embarrassing yesterday. We all know that. That’s not the team we are. We came in ready today and you saw it from everybody walking in here.”

It was a different attitude, and one the Cubs hope to continue.

“We were ready today,” Byrd said. “We’re going to carry that on now.”

– Carrie Muskat