He's more relaxed.He would really be at peace if the Chicago Cubs were contending for a playoff spot or at least found a way to pull out this game.
Instead, they came up short, losing 5-4 to the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday night even though the surging Ramirez set a career high with five hits.
Craig Kimbrel tied a major league rookie record with his 40th save, and Jason Heyward hit his first career grand slam, lifting the Braves to their sixth straight win.
"I wish we could win some more games," said Ramirez, who has a 12-game hitting streak.
Kimbrel worked the ninth for his 40th save in 45 opportunities, tying a mark set by Texas' Neftali Feliz last season. He ran his scoreless streak to 31 2-3 innings as Atlanta won for the eighth time in nine games.
Ramirez singled with two outs in the ninth for the Cubs for his fifth hit and advanced to second when Heyward bobbled the ball in right, but pinch-hitter Tyler Colvin struck out to end the game.
How hot is Ramirez at the moment? Well, he's 27 for 48 during this streak.
"When you (see) your pitch, don't miss it," he said. "This is the big leagues, and they're going to make some mistakes. When they do make some mistakes, you've got to make them pay."
That's exactly what he's doing, and his performance on Tuesday helped steer the attention away from shortstop Starlin Castro and his recent lapse in concentration.
"He is locked in," manager Mike Quade said. "He's got an excellent approach. We've seen him hot in Chicago before, but I don't know if he's been any hotter than this."
Quade was referring to Ramirez, of course. But he also had some praise for his All-Star.
Castro was back in the lineup for Chicago after sitting out a game because he wasn't paying attention in the field. He appeared to be engaged this time, making a diving stop in the eighth on Gonzalez's grounder to start a double play, and also had a single.
"He played a good game," Quade said. "One day at a time."
Chipper Jones had three hits for Atlanta. So did Heyward, none bigger than his shot in the fourth. He connected after Alex Gonzalez drew a two-out, bases-loaded walk off Casey Coleman (2-6), making it 5-0, but Mike Minor (4-2) nearly gave it all away in the fifth.
Alfonso Soriano led off a four-run rally with his 21st homer.
