Cubs win sixth consecutive game, Dempster strikes out 7

Saturday afternoon the Cubs made good on another close victory. Everything is working in their favor as of late. Ryan Dempster had another motivating start, pitching 5 innings of 3-hit 3-run ball. Behind support consisting of a 2-run shot by Alfonso Soriano and 2 RBIs the veteran right-hander hung on to collect his 7th win in the 4-3 final. The Rockies struck first scoring 2 runs in the 2nd and the Cub bats responded with 3 in the bottom half of the inning. In the 3rd inning Soto deposited a double into center to drive in a run. Dempster was 1-for-1 with an RBI double while Soriano laced an RBI single, compiling 3 runs driven in for the day.

The 11 hits by the lineup were enough to inch by an injury-ridden Rockies team. Winning six in a row the Cubs are only beginning to heat up. Sori has the hot bat during the streak, but just wait until Lee and Ramirez catch fire. The Cubs big 3 have already combined for 34 homeruns. Plus for the past 2 weeks much credit is due to the bullpen. They've been phenomenal. Carlos Marmol is still sharp as ever. He pitched an inning and fanned 2 batters while picking up his 3rd save today. The Cubs are on the verge of back-to-back sweeps at Wrigley. What a jolt of confidence it will give before going back on the road. Keep up the stellar play! Go Cubs Go!

Cubs rally late to seal 8-4 win

Winning four in a row the Cubs look to close out the month with a bang. Another comeback was in order last night as the Rockies managed to slip ahead taking a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the 7th. From there the Cubs struck for 2 runs off a throwing error and a sacrifice fly by Geovany Soto. They tacked on 3 insurance runs in the 8th as Hoffupair drove in a run as a pinch hitter then Soriano rifled a 2-run single up the middle. Earlier in the game Derek Lee socked his 13th homerun. A level of consistency at the plate is finally surfacing with the whole lineup making good contributions. The top of the order is getting on base often and Soriano is finding himself in several RBI spots.

The last 7 games the Cubs lead-off man has batted .323 with 10 hits and 5 RBIs. Plus his current slugging percentage is .543. With his energized bat and the bullpen's fine work the Cubs push for a serious run with the approaching Interleague series. Carlos Marmol and Kerry Wood pitched scoreless innings in Thursday's night win combining for 5 strikeouts. Both have thrown some nasty pitches! I also think the fact the Cubs have Neal Cotts back on the roster. They needed another good lefty in relief. Wuertz recorded the win going to 1-1 on the season after Marquis departed in the 6th inning.

Carrying the streak over into the road series before heading into Interleague Play could put some distance between them and the rest of the NL Central. To make the lineup more potent Lou is considering moving Kosuke Fukudome back to center in assert Hoffupauir into the lineup as he'd play in right field. I'm all for having another left-handed bat in the lineup (except Edmonds). Yet with Daryl Ward still out the Cubs can use another guy off the bench. Felix Pie should be called up from Iowa and rotate starts in the outfield with Johnson and Houfpauir. His speed on the base paths will be a big added bonus for the Cubs. Ted Lilly ( 5-4) aims to help extend the streak today facing Aaron Cook (7-3) in Game 2 at Wrigley.

Cubs comeback sparked by Ramirez RBI single

It's always good to be back home. Wrigley Field has been the Cubs' Pleasantville this season. No matters what happens on the road nothing breaks their stride in the Friendly Confines. After scuffling in Pittsburgh, dropping 2 games in extra innings Coach Piniella knew it was a time to tinker with some new strategies. Last night the Cubs played small ball going into the bottom of the 7th inning trailing 1-0. After an infield error and a base hit, Aramis Ramirez punched out a line-drive single scoring Alfonso Soriano. A RBI double hit by Fukudome then scored another run to put the Cubs ahead 3-1. He also made two splendid catches in right field.

Sean Gallagher hung in there for his best start of the season, lasting 7 innings to allow only a run on 4 hits and 2 walks. He came close to picking the loss. The Cub bats came through in the clutch to help him build a 2-1 record. The bullpen did a fine job again. Marmol pitched out of a jam in the 8th and Kerry Wood close the game out for his 12th save. With the win the Cubs are tied for the best record in baseball with the Devil Rays (31-21). They have 1.5 lead in the Central over the Cardinals and Astros. A sweep may be in the works today as Zambrano (7-1) aims to please as the Dodgers for a last resort in Derek Lowe (2-5). Time to get out the brooms in Wrigley! Woooooooo!

Cubs drop 2-of-3 in Houston

Facing a hot team at the wrong time took the wind out of the Cubs' sails. After winning the first game of the series against the Astros they lost the next two. Sean Gallagher got knocked around in his 3rd start for 5 runs on 8 hits and a walk. The 5-3 loss Wednesday showed the Cubs lineup tallying 5 hits. Derek Lee's 2-run shot in the lst got the Cubs off to an early lead. It didn't last long as Carlos Lee belted a 3-run homer in the 3rd to put the Astros ahead 4-3. Getting a day off Soriano was replaced in the outfield by newcomer Micah Hoffpauir who had 2 hits.

Since Gallagher had a short stay at the mound the bullpen was put to work. Jon Lieber was used again entering the game in the 7th. I don't like the idea of the veteran righty as a reliever unless it's absolutely necessary. He's a starter by nature, works fast on the mound and normally gets the ground balls. Lieber should give the Cubs quality innings pitched throughout the season. With Scott Eyre back the pen is probably strong enough to suffice for now. With a day to rest the Cubs are ready to take the series against Pittsburgh before returning home. The Cubs send Carlos Zambrano (6-1) to the mound to take on the Pirates and Zack Duke (2-2).

Ramirez 2-run blast, Cubs defense not enough to put away Astros

Starting off the series with Houston the Cubs went on the attack tallying 7 runs in route to a victory. Tuesday night the offense ran dry. Ryan Dempster made an earnest effort to keep the game close yet Aramis Ramirez' 2-run homer accounted for the only runs. On a night where the Cub bats didn't set the tone it became a struggle to drive in runs. Also they were lucky to be trailing 4-2 in late innings after Hunter Pence whacked a grand slam in the 4th and was on the verge of hitting for the cycle. The Cubs almost got to the Astros bullpen in the 8th and 9th yet couldn't pull together a string of hits. Seeing the patience drawing walks though is encouraging.

*Hear about news and personal insight about the Cubs on Mark DeRosa new MLB blog The Pulse.

Some nights the lineup will have to play small ball to win. Hit and runs, steals, sacrifice flies and bunts must occur more often. Plus when the game is on the line pinch hitting with a power hitter if available is best. I know Lou elected to go with Fontenot in last night's game, in attempt to coax a rally since he had few options. That's why the Cubs need another outfielder. Sending Felix Pie down to Triple-A was too premature. Why management is relying on Jim Edmonds is beyond me. He has 2 hits in 12 at-bats since joining the Cubs. I'd sit Edmonds on the bench and have Reed Johnson be the everyday starter in center field until they bring Felix back or acquire another good outfielder. Oh, forget about it....just heave that 37-year-old washed up hack out of the clubhouse and tell him don't come back!

Cubs squeeze past Pirates, win 8-of-10 at home

The homestand should've lasted longer. The Cubs finish off the last series taking 2-of-3 from the Pirates. Saturday they were dealt a 1-run loss as Zambrano didn't have his best stuff, only lasting 4 innings. Game 1 they inked a 7-4 victory in which Alfonso Soriano blasted 2 homeruns and gave Sean Gallagher his first win. The next day he followed up with a 5-hit performance including 2 more homers. Sunday it was all about the pitching. Jason Marquis got the job done, going 6 innings wielding 4 hits and 2 earned runs. He kept the Cubs in the game, pushing his record to 2-3. Cedeno and Fukudome aided the offense driving in runs with RBI singles.

How about Soriano of late? He's got red hot in a hurry. I knew it was only a matter of time before he had a big turnaround. 7 homeruns in 10 games is a surefire way to break out of a slump and make an impact. The Cubs needed run production from someone as Lee and Ramirez have hit for power off and on. When one star player isn't hitting another one fills the void. The Cubs have a head of steam coming into the Astros series to kick off a short 6-game road trip. With both teams on a roll it will be a tight series. Also, the Cubs will have to be careful with Lance Berkman and hope he cools off a bit. I look for Chicago to win at least 4 games on the road trip. While Soriano keeps swinging a hot bat trying to extend his 7-game hitting streak, the rest of the lineup can follow suit and get to cracking at the plate.

Dempster shuts out Padres, Cubs win 4-0

A veteran duel ensued on the mound yesterday at Wrigley which the Cubs caught the best of it. Ryan Dempster pushed the Padres to the limit, recording a career high 12 strikeouts. After pitching 8 innings of shutout baseball giving up just 6 hits Dempster earned his 5th win. The lineup came through too against Greg Maddux who exited the game early. Derek Lee (29 RBIs) laced a 2-run double in the Cubs' 4-run 5th inning to plate Dempster and Soriano. Before that an RBI single by Dempster and a sacrifice fly from Theriot brought the other 2 runs home. The middle of the order is starting to hit again. Aramis Ramirez and Soriano have 5 hits combined as the lineup punched 13 total.

As I expected the Cubs are making headway at home, climbing back into first place. A sweep against Pittsburgh in the weekend series would give them an extra boost in the standings. They'll be the only the NL game on tap as the rest of baseball will be involved in Interleague play. Everything has gone smooth except for one truly bad move by Cubs management. Every fan was set against it and yet Jim Edmonds is now a Cub. Yes, another sad day in franchise history with such a controversial signing. Thank God, Felix Pie wasn't traded for him. Whew! What a relief! It's much better to see him go back to Triple-A to further develop his hitting than be whisked off to another team.

Right now the 4 outfielders on the roster may not be enough. I mean if one guy gets injured (Please God just let it be Edmonds) management will have to bring up another outfielder from Triple-A Iowa again or scramble for a replacement. Yes, I know Mark DeRosa is versatile, being able to play the infield and outfield, although he will need days off occasionally. Offensive production ought to be the main concern from these positions. I don't see much coming from Edmonds, who's 37 and doesn't have the bat speed anymore. Plus he's already left 7 runners on base. How in the world can that benefit the Cubs? This only adds to the Cubs' lack of run production. Personally I'd like him to have a short stay and be released or traded. The Cubs need to have positive influences around as they gun to take the series against the Pirates.

Winning streak erased, Cubs fall 4-3 at Wrigley

Tuesday the Cub bats came out slugging in the opening innings. Alfonso Soriano slammed a lead-off homer off Shawn Estes to kick off the scoring. Later in the 2nd inning Reed Johnson followed with a 2-run double to center. After that nothing else was cooking at the plate for the Cubs. San Diego outhit them 10-7 as Jason Marquis went 5.2 and gave up all 4 runs on 9 hits and a walk. It was another bad break for the veteran starter since the bats started off hot then went ice cold, resulting in his 3rd loss. 5 games remain on the homestand allowing the Cubs to extend their excellent record at Wrigley and push for a lead in the Central.

This week rumors have fluttered that the Cubs are interested in picking up Jim Edmonds. With the potential deal laying in wait Felix Pie would be sent down to Triple A. I don't think the trade would work out. Edmonds strikes out too much and doesn't fit into any good spot in the lineup. Plus I think the only way Pie can improve and developed is getting extra at-bats at the Major League level. Sure he's tore it up at Triple A Iowa in previous years yet he needs to face the caliber pitching around the league. Whether coming off the bench or sometimes as a starter he can be a spark plug for the Cubs with his speed and aggressiveness.

I know Scott Eyre is back from injury and trying to find room on the roster for guys is an issue. The bullpen, no doubt about it has been superb. They deserve much credit for the Cubs 23 wins. Having enough arms in the pen is important, but the main focus for progress at current is getting more production from the middle of the order. If the Cubs can start driving in runners on base more frequently they'll wrap up games fairly easy wins against less than potent offensive clubs. Today the Cubs look to recharge the offense as Ted Lilly guns for his 4rd win against Jake Peavy (4-2). It's going to be a tall order for the Cubs lineup to handle. Go Cubs Go!!

Cubs back on track, sweep D-backs

A warm welcome back at Wrigley was what the Cubs needed to energize their offense and shake off the negative forces. This past weekend everything worked to their advantage. They hit the long ball, pitched out of jams, came up with the big hits when need to score runners, and made comebacks. Might I add the Cubs did all this against the team with the best record in baseball coming into the weekend series. The Diamondbacks got a first hand experience of what it's like to be took to the wood shed and beaten while being reminded of last year's NLDS series.

The runs came late to give the Cubs a lift Sunday. Reed Johnson rocketed a 2-run homer in the 7th off Juan Cruz tying the game 4-4. Then coming into the game as a pinch-hitter with the bases loaded in the 8th Daryl Ward delivered with the game-winning hit, crushing a 2-run double into deep right center field. The bench has been outstanding at times for the Cubs, what a clutch hit by Ward! Look forward to see more of the same this season. Due to the rain delay Zambrano's start was moved to Monday. His replacement Sean Gallagher pitched 4.1 innings allowing 4 earned runs on 5 hits and 3 walks. Carlos Marmol entered the game in the 8th inning and picked up the win. He had two strikeouts.

The Cubs continue to shine at home, playing their best baseball owning a 15-5 mark at Wrigley. With the sweep they are tied again with the Cardinals for first place in the Central. It's only a matter of time before the Cubs get streaky and break away from the division pack. Soriano has turned his game around, having a 4-hit performance over the weekend, Lee just smacked his 9th homerun yesterday, and the pitching is holding up for now. Plus let's not forget about Kerry Wood, who most Cub fans (including myself) doubted for a long time. He's been effective and more than efficient as the closer with 7 saves. Zambrano (5-1) will aim to please and keep the ball rolling tonight as he squares off against the Padres' Randy Wolf (2-2).

Lilly mows down D-backs, Wood earns 6th save

Once again the Cubs enjoyed success at home, trying to settle their minds after the weary road trip. When their starting pitching is hot nothing stands in the way not even the Diamondbacks. Ted Lilly put on a clinic Friday afternoon at Wrigley Field. Going deep in the game for 7 innings he fanned 10 batters while yielding a run on 3 hits and 2 walks. Lilly pushes his mark to 3-4, showing new life with a dominating performance. The 2 extras runs were enough as Alfonso Soriano untied the game in the 5th with a double down the third base line to score Reed Johnson.

Derek Lee smacked a solo homer later in the 8th to add to the lead, his 9th of the season. Kerry Wood wrapped up his 6th save giving up no hits or walks in the 9th The Cubs have 9 games left on the homestand. They're 12-5 at Wrigley with their best games coming in late innings. With Chicago holding their ground in the Central they can be in a more comfortable position after the homestand. The Padres and Pirates come into town next on the schedule. Taking those series will be a big plus. If Geovany Soto keeps on pounding the ball, adding to the .333 average, 6 homeruns, and 24 RBIs the Cubs will be in good shape. I'd like to see Cedeno in the lineup more, he's showing good patience and ability to hit tough pitches this year.

Cubs gutting out road trip

The past 2 games have left the Cubs with a bitter taste in their mouth. The 5-3 losses in consecutive days again showed how the lineup failed to manufacture enough runs. It's looks bad too when the Cubs outhit their opponent 9-6 yet stranded 7 more runners on base. Soriano showed a bit of progress, striking out only once and going 1-for-4 with a run scored. If he'd learn patience at the plate he'd get good pitches in the zone.

Until then the star slugger will continue going through the motions without being productive. Dempster caught the worst end of it in yesterday's game, gunning for his 5th win instead getting shammed with 5 runs on 4 hits in 6 innings while striking out 7 batters.

Lou has to be unhappy with the way the Cubs bats responded in St. Louis. Too many RBI chances they had in the series were wasted. The starting pitching was sharp, keeping it close in every game as the middle of the order seemed to go numb. The fact that Aramis got hit in the wrist and was sidelined hurt the offense too. Carlos Zambrano deserves to get run support tonight against the Reds if he works quick innings and pitches like he did in his last outing. I've liked the work from the bullpen in the past week as well. It's up to the star sluggers to take control and bang out those runs. Hang in there and try not to get discouraged. Let's go Cubbies!

Fontenot, Cubs unload on Cardinals

Too much talk and rumors have swirled around about the Cubs offense since Alfonso Soriano has returned. By the numbers the run production was better without him in the lineup. However, this was for a couple of weeks in April and the Cubs went on a win streak. I saw Soriano's approach at the plate in Game 1 against the Cardinals. Swinging at pitches too far off the plate and in the dirt frustrated and annoyed Cub fans. Then he hit that 2-run homer in the 9th to tie the game despite the Cubs losing in extras 4-3. The star slugger will come around and be a valuable to the lineup when he regains his hitting stroke and stays healthy.

Bouncing back from Friday's loss the Cubs came out strong driving in 9 runs to give Ted Lilly the run support he needed to record his 2nd win. Mike Fontenot cracked a 3-run shot off Kyle Lohse in the 4th, scoring Soto and DeRosa. Later he drew a bases loaded walk to give the Cubs a 9-3 lead. Ted Lilly pitched a smooth game, having things go his way pitching 7 innings and allowing 3 earned runs on 6 hits and a walk. He also recorded his 1,000 career strikeout. Fukudome helped fuel the offense with 3 hits and 2 RBIs. He's been the one constant steady batter in the lineup, hope his success rubs off on everyone else on the team.

The Cubs can't get the sweep, though can take back first place in the Central with a win today. Lou seems to have his mind made up on keeping Soriano as the everyday lead-off man. I didn't have a problem with as long as Sori manages to get on base and cut down on those strikeouts. With Rich Hill being sent down to the minors the rotation will be altered a little bit, best luck to him on developing his mechanics and control. Today a good start from Jason Marquis (1-1) against Todd Wellemeyer (2-1) can enable the Cubs to take 2-of-3 in this epic road series.

Cubs catch bad break in 4-3 loss

The Cubs were on their way to wrapping up their second consecutive win with a 3-1 lead entering the 9th. Kerry Wood faltered, giving up a 2-run double into deep right field by Ryan Braun as the Brewers went ahead 4-3. These type of games sting a little after a 19-5 blowout the previous day. Kerry just had an unfortunate outing and has to look past it as he's been pitching quality innings in 13 relief appearances with 2-1 record. These Brewers, Cubs series always are kind of weird anyway. It's either a late inning comeback or a slaughter. Carlos Zambrano received a no-decision, which stinks yet he showcased his power stroke with his first homer of the season.

To closeout April with a 17-11 record is an improvement for the Cubs. They're normally around .500 and scuffling at home. Definitely a positive turnaround from last season's start. I like the effort from Theriot and Fukudome in the game Thursday, accounting for 7 of the 11 hits in the lineup. Eventually these two will be scoring a ton of runs for the Cubs when the offense falls in place and gets into a rhythm. I have a feeling this Cubs team will explode for several big scoring games. I'd like to see Soriano rediscover the pop this weekend with Lee and Ramirez following suit. Rich Hill will push for his second win against Adam Wainwright (3-1). Alright, Cubs LET'S GET SOME RUNS AND PULL OUT A WIN!