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.