Bucs outlast Cubs 3-2

After winning two consecutive games against the Cardinals the Cubs couldn't quite pull ahead of the Pirates Monday night at PNC Park. The runs didn't come late as needed and giving up the homer to Jason Bay was the difference in the game. Rich Hill still pitched another fine game and owns a 1.77 ERA. He exceeded 5 innings of work, however fell short of recording his 4th win. The offense is looking better. Alfonso Soriano and Jacque Jones have yet to hit their first homerun. Eventually they'll snap out of this funk and supply the power.

The Cubs have two more games with the Pirates before seeing the Nationals on the road for a 3-game series. Lilly (2-2) starts tonight opposite Armas (0-2) for the 7:05 p.m. If the offense can give Ted Lilly around 4-5 runs that will be enough. They actually outhit Pittsburgh 9 to 7 yesterday, but stranded 10 runners on base. I look for Derek Lee to continue his recent mult-hit games and boost his average to over .400. The goal this month for the Cubs should be to jump in front of the Brewers and Pirates in the division because right now they're playing better. Come on Cubs, go on a long winning streak!