DeRosa goes yard to pave way for Cubs 3-1 win

Making the most out of the road trip the Cubs went 4-3, unrattled by having their 9-game winning streak snapped. They settled for a split against the Dodgers in L.A. after winning 3-1 last night. Not much offense was needed as the starting pitching from Jason Marquis was splendid. He yielded a run on 3 hits and a walk through 6.1 innings. The big bat for the game came from Mark DeRosa who cranked a solo homerun in the 1st inning then added a RBI single to right in the 5th. The Cubs managed 2 runs off Brad Penny in the latter inning to bump him from the mound.

Although Soriano got a double in the game seeing him cut down on those strikeouts and show a little patience at the plate would be nice. When the left fielder gets on base the Cubs usually score runs. Those sliders are too tantalizing for him to lay off. He chased about every low outside pitch last night offered his way. I'd like to see him wait back and hold up his swing sometimes.
With another homerun in the Dodgers series he's up to 15. His hitting is a major contributing factor to the Cubs hot play and claiming the best record in the NL Central (40-24) and in baseball. Today everyone will get a rest with the day off, much deserved especially for the bullpen.

In another save chance Kerry Wood successfully nailed down the door last night. He was perfect in the 9th. He's averaging around 2 strikeouts per inning and now has 18 saves. Marmol, Howry, and him have been outstanding. They've combined for over 102 innings pitched and 128 strikeouts. The Cubs are back at home starting a 3-game bill with the Braves Tuesday. In Game 1 Ted Lilly (5-5, 5.23 ERA) heads to the mound vs. Tom Glavine (2-2, 4.47 ERA). I don't know why they're playing only playing 3 games at Wrigley then going back on the road?? Anyway, if all goes well the Cubs will continue to delight and be the best in the NL!