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).
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