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).