Cubs Do It Again

Failing to score enough runs in games in the past week has resulted in late inning lead changes for the Cubs. Luckily they've pulled out victories by driving in runs in the 8th and 9th inning. Thanks to shaky relief pitching from the Diamondbacks Friday afternoon and patience from the Cubs batters they tied the game with a hit through the left side of infield by Michael Barrett in the 9th. Aramis Ramirez provided a clutch game winning infield single off the bench as a pinch hitter. For much of the season Chicago has scored the majority of their runs via the long ball. They showed today they know how to win through patience and solid contact which yielded base hits. The tricky hops on the field helped too. Derek Lee's average dropped as he went 0-4, but the victory is more important to him and his team. The home stand will give the Cubs a chance to show whether or not they can play high winning percentage baseball at Wrigley Field.

In the wild card at the time being they are 3.5 games out. The Nationals, Phillies, Astros, and Mets stand in the way. Washington appears to falling back in the NL East whereas the Astros are can't seem to lose. After the series with Arizona the Cubs can help themselves in the race as the New York Mets come in town. All these teams will face each other for several more games up until the end of September. When Kerry Wood returns he is expected to serve a role out of the bullpen. This may not be a wise decision if he continues to lack pitch control. The biggest challenge the team still faces is finding other reliable options for scoring more runs. With the trade deadline nearing, the Cubs management better make a move on the best available talent (preferably outfielders) even it means dealing away one or two of their quality relievers. Pitching makes a team strong, but runs are needed to win close games. The Cubs have played many neck and neck games this year with good and bad outcomes. By using sound judgment, the Cubs management can hopefully make the right decisions before the trade deadline.

Note: Cubs fans WGN will be broadcasting a television special on Ryne Sandberg this Saturday at 7 p.m. ET. The tribute will include career highlights and his induction into the Hall Of Fame in Cooperstown. Finally another day to honor and celebrate the career of one the Cub Greats and the best second basemen of all-time. This is a chance to watch vintage Ryno during his prime so don't miss it.