Zambrano shuts out Pirates as Cubs gain extra ground

Thanks in part to a masterful pitching showcase by Carlos Zambrano the Cubs sailed to a 8-0 victory Sunday afternoon at Wrigley. Derek Lee and Ronnie Cedeno generated most of the offensive firepower, each smacking 2-run homers. They extended their division lead to 3.5 games over Milwaukee. With only 6 remaining games on the schedule the Cubs are inching ever so close to capturing the pennant. Zambrano regained his natural form with 6 innings of shutout ball, allowing 3 hits and 3 walks. He left the game in the 7th due to cramping with a big lead, which stayed intact and collected his 17th win.

Derek Lee had a big game with 2 hits and 3 RBIs while the lineup accumulated 14 hits. 5 players had at least 2 hits a piece. With the sweep to close out the home series finale the Cubs have their eyes set on the playoffs. First they have to take care of the Marlins and Reds to finish the season out on the road. All the Cubs have to do is concentrate on staying ahead of the Brewers. Things keep looking better and better for a franchise who has come up short of a world title for damn near a century. With Soriano, Lee, and Ramirez hot nothing will stand in this new Cub team's way.

I have to give Kerry Wood much credit in what he accomplished yesterday by pitching 2 innings late without giving up a hit or run! This guy had a rough, up hill battle in the last couple of years and it's good to see him become a significant contributing part of this club again. The off-day today will give the bullpen and the lineup rest before they start their 3-game series in Florida. Seeing the Cubs take the series and end up clinching the pennant will be a huge weight lifted off their shoulders.

Then after the celebration in Chicago they can relax a little before charging into the playoffs. From there the atmosphere will be electric, but the competition will be fierce with nothing coming easy their way. Keep those bats warm and ready to strike guys. Those rotten Cardinals are out of sight so no worries there. Take care of business in Florida and Cincy and bring home the PENNANT! WOOOOOOOO! GO CUBS!!